Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways’ Partnership Receives Provisional Approval

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has provisionally approved the partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways.

This allows the airlines to jointly sell and market flights operated by Qatar Airways between Doha and Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

In addition, both airlines are also seeking provisional approval to open routes from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Doha in June 2025, and from Perth to Doha in November 2025. These routes would operate on a wet lease basis, using Qatar Airways’ aircraft and crew.

The ACCC states that the provisional approval will provide Virgin Australia with the lead time necessary to prepare for the launch of the new routes, including planning, marketing, sales, and system adjustments. Final approval is scheduled for February 2025, and in case the authorization is not granted, refunds or re-arrangements will be made.