Australia regulator gives interim approval for Virgin-Qatar Airways alliance

Australia’s regulator has given initial approval for a proposed Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways airline alliance on Doha to Australia flights.

The interim approval by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission allows the airlines to plan up to 28 weekly flights between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth and Doha, Qatar.

The two airlines plan to work under an integrated alliance.

The interim authorisation means Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways can start marketing and selling the round-trip flights between Doha and Australia cities ahead of. Virgin Australia’s new Doha flights launching in June 2025.

”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,” said Mick Keogh, ACCC Deputy Chair.

It is still subject to final regulatory approval.

“Affected customers will be given the option of a refund or re-accommodation if these proposed new services ultimately don’t get approved,” Keogh added.

Virgin Australia plans to use Qatar Airways aircraft and crew to operate the new Doha services.

The ACCC expects to publish a draft decision in early 2025.

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