Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer praised the partnership as a commitment to fostering healthy competition in the Australian market.

Starting in mid-June 2025, the agreement will introduce 28 additional non-stop return flights weekly between Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and Doha, with a Melbourne route set to commence in December 2025.

ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey stated that the partnership is expected to increase international flight capacity with minimal public impact, likely lowering airfares and enhancing customer choices.

This initiative is projected to generate $3 billion for the Australian economy over the next five years.

A new partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways has been approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which will double flights between Doha and Australia over the next five years.

Specifically, flights between Sydney and Doha will begin on June 12, 2025, following the ACCC's determination.

The partnership will operate under a 'wet lease' agreement, allowing Virgin Australia to utilize Qatar Airways’ aircraft and crew for the new services.

While concerns were raised about potential impacts on Australian aviation jobs due to the wet lease arrangement, the ACCC believes it is unlikely to have a significant negative effect on the workforce.

Despite concerns regarding Virgin Australia's ability to partner with other airlines, the ACCC confirmed that existing services to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa would remain unchanged.

Virgin Australia emphasized that the partnership would encourage job growth in the aviation and tourism sectors, with Qatar Airways providing secondment opportunities for 20 Virgin Australia pilots and 40 cabin crew in 2025.

This alliance follows Qatar Airways' recent acquisition of a 25 percent stake in Virgin Australia, further strengthening their collaboration.

The partnership will provide customers with greater choices for international flights, enhanced connectivity, and loyalty program benefits.