The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has approved a five-year alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, effectively doubling flights between Australia and Doha.
Under the agreement, the airlines will introduce 28 new weekly return flights connecting Doha with Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Virgin Australia will operate these flights using Qatar Airways aircraft and crew, but under a Virgin flight number.
Flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha will commence in June, while services from Melbourne will begin in December. Passengers arriving at Doha’s Hamad International Airport will gain access to over 100 connecting flights across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The partnership is expected to contribute approximately $3 billion in economic value over five years.
ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey stated that the increased flight capacity would benefit travelers by lowering ticket prices and providing more international travel options, along with additional connectivity and loyalty program perks.
The ACCC also confirmed that the agreement is unlikely to have any negative impact on the domestic aviation workforce.
