The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted a five-year authorisation for an integrated alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, doubling the number of flights between Doha and major Australian airports.
The agreement will introduce 28 new weekly return services to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, operated under a ‘wet lease’ arrangement using Qatar Airways’ aircraft and crew. The ACCC determined the alliance would benefit the public by increasing capacity, lowering fares, and enhancing connectivity and loyalty program options, with minimal public detriment.
Concerns were raised about potential impacts on Australian aviation jobs, but the ACCC found no evidence that Virgin Australia or other local airlines would launch standalone Australia-Doha routes within the next five years. The authorisation excludes proposed exclusivity arrangements between the airlines.
Interim approval was granted in November 2024, allowing ticket sales to begin, with flights scheduled to commence in June 2025.
