Go back to the e-newsletter

Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways can start marketing and selling 28 additional weekly scheduled return flights between Doha and Australia, following today’s granting of interim authorisation for their strengthened alliance by the competition watchdog.

The Australian carrier proposes to start flying to Doha from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in June 2025, with Perth to follow in November 2025.

Under the proposed arrangements, Virgin Australia will “wetlease” Qatar Airways craft and crew to operate the new services which will be in addition to the international services already operated by Qatar Airways.

“We consider that granting interim authorisation now will allow Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia the lead time to undertake the necessary planning discussions, marketing, selling and system alignment in preparation for Virgin Australia to commence flying the new services by June 2025,” ACCC Deputy Chair Keogh said

The development follows Qatar Airways Group’s October commitment to acquire a 25% stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital, with both airlines confirming plans to strengthen their existing alliance even further with the new non-stop flights to Doha.

However, final regulatory approval by the ACCC and other government bodies is yet to be granted, with a draft determination expected in February 2025.

If it is turned down, customers who have booked these proposed new services will be protected, the ACCC stressed.

“Affected customers will be given the option of a refund or re-accommodation on a suitable alternative flight at no additional charge and would not be out of pocket for any reasonably foreseeable costs if these proposed new services ultimately don’t get approved,” Keogh said.

“Having this court-enforceable undertaking that protects customers was important to our decision to allow Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to start selling tickets now.”

The airlines have sought authorisation for the alliance for five years.

Go back to the e-newsletter