Competition regulator formally approves Virgin Australia-Qatar Airways alliance

March 31st 2025

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Virgin Australia (VA) has cleared the final regulatory hurdle in its quest for approval of an alliance with Qatar Airways. Read More » The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) decision follows interim authorization of the proposed partnership in late 2024. The alliance allows VA to start nonstop Australia-Doha flights in June with aircraft wet leased from Qatar Airways. “We consider the conduct is likely to result in public benefits such as adding additional capacity between Australia and the Middle East and is likely to result in minimal, if any, public detriment,” ACCC Commissioner, Anna Brakey, said. “This will likely place downward price pressure on these routes and give customers of Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways a greater choice of international flights with additional connectivity and loyalty program benefits.”