SYDNEY, 3 March 2025: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) welcomes the Federal Government’s approval of Qatar Airways’ 25% stake in Virgin Australia. This will enhance airline competition and create new opportunities for Australian travel agents and advisors.

The increased competition on international routes means more reasons for travellers to use travel agencies and advisors to secure the best value flights, particularly for long-haul travel to Europe.

“This is great news for Australians who want more choice and more competitive fares when travelling internationally, with greater choices on flights to Europe. More competition in the skies drives innovation, better pricing and improved travel services,” said ATIA CEO Dean Long. “It also increases the potential for more investment to drive domestic competition.

“This decision strengthens the role of travel agents and advisors in delivering value to consumers. For agencies, greater competition means more reasons for travellers to use agencies and their travel advisors to find the best value.”

“For our land supply members, greater competition and more competitive fares free up more of the budget for travellers to spend more on experiencing destinations through touring.”

Virgin Australia flies to Qatar

Qatar Airways Group’s minority 25% investment in Virgin Australia has now received Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval following the Federal Treasurer’s announcement last week. This follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Draft Determination earlier in February, indicating its intention to authorise the airlines’ integrated alliance, with final approval expected in March or April 2025. 

Virgin Australia now awaits a decision from the International Air Services Commission (IASC) on what is an uncontested allocation of air rights for services between Australia and Qatar, due to commence in June.

Subject to IASC approval, Virgin Australia will return to long-haul flying in June 2025, with flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha. 

Flights from Melbourne to Doha are scheduled to commence in December 2025. These flights will be operated utilising aircraft wet-leased from Qatar Airways. 

Virgin Australia’s new Doha flights will connect to Qatar Airways’ global network, including more than 100 new connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.