By James Wilkinson

Qatar Airways has released a range of special airfares in the lead-up to the airline’s highly anticipated launch of flights between Melbourne and Doha on December 6.

Qatar launches Melbourne flights on December 6

The special ‘earlybird’ airfares are available from Melbourne to a range of Middle East and European cities – including Athens, Cairo, Istanbul, London, Madrid and Paris – via the airline’s hub in Doha, Qatar.

Economy airfares start from $1710 and business class from $6722, with the latter travelling in one of the world’s finest cabins that features 180-degree fully-flat beds and over 900 audio and video on demand options.

Flights from Melbourne to Doha are operated by Boeing 777-200LR aircraft featuring 42 seats in business and 217 in economy.

Prices are valid until December 20.