Etihad Airways has announced it will end its codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with Virgin Australia, effective 1 June 2025. The decision reflects a shift in the airlines’ strategic priorities.
From that date, travellers won’t be able to book Virgin Australia-operated flights via Etihad’s platforms.
However, existing bookings with Virgin Australia segments won’t be impacted, ensuring a seamless experience for customers with flights already confirmed.
Etihad Guest members should note that flights operated by Virgin Australia will no longer earn Guest Miles after 1 June 2025.
Despite this change, Etihad Airways is doubling down on its commitment to Australia. Having served the country since 2007, the airline plans to increase flights to Sydney and Melbourne for the summer 2025, offering Australians more travel options and enhanced loyalty benefits across its extensive global network.
The announcement comes not long after Qatar Airways announced its intention to acquire a 25 per cent minority equity stake in Virgin Australia, increasing the carriers’ existing partnership and paving the way for VA’s return to long-haul international flying by mid-2025.
Virgin Australia CEO Jane Hrdlicka recently provided a full update on VA’s strategic direction at a corporate travel summit in Sydney, shedding light on the carrier’s newly enhanced partnership with Qatar, plans for long-haul operations and the airline’s transformation post-COVID recovery.
