The interim approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) allows Virgin Australia to market and sell 28 weekly scheduled return flights between Doha and Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

Virgin Australia’s alliance with Qatar Airways won’t negatively impact most partnerships or frequent flyer benefits. Existing partnerships with airlines like Singapore Airlines and South African Airways remain unchanged. The alliance aims to increase flight capacity and potentially lower fares.

The ACCC says the new services will be offered subject to final regulatory approval. However, its interim authorisation usually results in a final authorisation, which would be valid for five years. Qatar's proposed investment in Virgin also remains subject to approval from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board.

Australia's competition watchdog said on Friday it had given its interim approval for Virgin Australia [IPO-VIR.AX] to start selling Qatar Airways-operated flights between Doha and four capital cities in Australia.

The approval allows Virgin Australia to sell 28 weekly scheduled return flights between Qatar and Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim approval for a partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, which allows them to sell long-haul return flights starting in June 2025.