No airline’s route network is static, which is usually a good thing. Changes always occur, mainly because of performance or opportunity. In the latest update, Qatar Airways has revealed a notable adaption to its sole New Zealand service.

The oneworld member has revealed that it will fly from Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Auckland Airport (AKL) via Melbourne Airport (MEL). It’ll fly between MEL and AKL for the first time, with traffic rights available. This will replace the current setup, which is from DOH to AKL via Adelaide Airport (ADL). DOH-ADL will become a standalone service again.

Qatar Airways From DOH To AKL Via MEL

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On December 9, the Gulf giant will lift off from its DOH hub for New Zealand via MEL for the first time. The non-first-class, 354-seat Boeing 777-300ER will be used. Qsuites and Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers will be available.

This 354-seater is currently deployed to AKL via ADL. It is also the same layout that Qatar Airways currently uses on DOH-MEL-DOH and which Virgin Australia, which serves MEL-DOH-MEL on behalf of Qatar Airways, deploys. Virgin uses 777-300ERs leased from the Middle Eastern operator. The pair will have three daily DOH-MEL flights later this year.

The schedule is shown below. The 1:50 AM departure time from DOH and 11:25 PM arrival time home the next day is, of course, driven by massive two-way connectivity to/from Europe in particular. The airline’s largest number of flights from Europe arrive around midnight, while the second-largest number depart at approximately 1:00 AM.

The schedule is very different from DOH-ADL-AKL and vice versa. In July 2026, OAG shows that those flights leave DOH at 7:30 PM and get to AKL at 11:30 PM+1. After a very long stay on the ground, the operating 777 then leaves AKL at 5:15 PM the next day, getting back to the Gulf at 5:00 AM+1.

The Fourth Airline Flying Between MEL & AKL

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For obvious reasons, the local market from MEL to AKL is massive. In the 12 months to May 2026, booking data shows that 715,000 round-trip passengers traveled (they did not fly elsewhere). Only Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Auckland was larger (810,000).

From December 10, Qatar Airways will compete directly with Qantas and Virgin Australia for MEL-AKL traffic. Of course, the airline’s horrendous departure time of 1:20 AM will be a major hindrance which will dissuade many passengers. This is a shame for both those flying in economy or business class, as Qatar Airways’ offering is arguably superior, including in business class, and fares are comparable across all nonstop carriers. The 1:15 PM departure back to Australia is much more reasonable.

Let’s examine the schedule from December 10 through the end of February. In this period, four airlines will operate from MEL to AKL. This number was last available in 2025, when China Airlines coexisted with Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas. While Qatar Airways has replaced China Airlines, an average of 12 daily services will be available. Up to three daily services will be on widebodies. Aside from Qatar Airways’ 777-300ERs, Air New Zealand will continue to deploy its 777-300ERs and 787-9s.

‘Other’ Airlines Operating Across The Tasman

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Non-Australian and non-New Zealand carriers have often operated across the Tasman. Many have done so over the years. Four will do so in 2026 and 2027. In addition to Qatar Airways from ADL-AKL and later MEL-AKL, there’s Emirates between SYD and Christchurch (daily A380) and China Airlines from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to AKL (five weekly A350-900).

Another airline is due to join them in 2027. While the launch date is currently unknown, Starlux is due to begin flying from Taipei to AKL via SYD, with traffic rights available on the trans-Tasman leg. The A330-900, rather than the A350-900 or A350-1000, is due to operate four or five times weekly. It’ll provide another option to choose from, rather than ‘just’ Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas.`