Gulf carrier Qatar Airways could soon start flights to Sydney following the signing of an upgraded air services agreement between Qatar and Australia.
The agreement adds an extra 50% capacity on major routes between the two countries.
Announcing the new agreement, Trade Minister Andrew Robb hinted Qatar Air would likely begin flying daily to Sydney in addition to its current flights to Melbourne and Perth.
"Qatar Airways is likely to commence a daily service between Sydney and Doha, which will allow businesses to quickly and efficiently move produce to global markets," Robb said.
The new deal adds 50% more capacity to Australia’s main hubs of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, while Qatar has unrestricted access to fly to smaller airports.
"It will allow for up to 21 flights each week, each way, for airlines of both countries to the major gateways, catering for growth in the Australia-Qatar and Australia-Europe routes,” added Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss.
