Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have secured final ACCC approval for a five-year integrated alliance, paving the way for 28 additional weekly return flights between Doha and Australia’s major airports.
The agreement, which allows the airlines to coordinate on pricing, schedules and marketing, will see Virgin Australia operate under a wet lease arrangement using Qatar Airways aircraft and crew. These flights will complement Qatar Airways’ existing services, increasing connectivity for Australian travellers.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an interim authorisation for the alliance in November 2024 allowing ticket sales to begin ahead of the June 2025 launch. This was followed by a draft determination in February 2025 proposing to grant authorisation.
“We consider that the conduct is likely to result in public benefits such as adding additional capacity on flights 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 will also give customers of Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways a greater choice of international flights with additional connectivity and loyalty program benefits.”
While most industry feedback supported the alliance, some raised concerns over its impact on Australian aviation jobs. However, the ACCC doesn’t believe this will happen.
“We consider it unlikely that Virgin Australia or any other Australian airline would commence operating Australia-Doha services on a stand-alone basis in the next five years, even if the conduct was not authorised,” Ms Brakey said.
“As such, we consider it unlikely that the conduct will result in a material detrimental impact on the Australian aviation workforce.”
The ACCC also reviewed proposed exclusivity arrangements between the airlines but did not authorise them as part of this decision. For full details, visit the ACCC public register.
“We concluded that the overall impact of the exclusivity arrangements on consumers is likely to be minimal,” Brakey said.
“This is because Velocity Frequent Flyer members will continue to be able to earn and redeem Velocity points on Singapore Airlines services operated globally, including on services to and from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“Virgin Australia’s arrangements with other airlines on services to and from Europe, the Middle East and Africa will remain unchanged, with the exception of Virgin Australia’s partnership with Etihad Airways, which has been more limited in recent years.”
For full details, visit the ACCC’s public register.
