The Australian Government has approved Qatar Airways Group’s minority 25% stake in Virgin Australia.

The investment sets the stage for Virgin Australia to resume long-haul flights for the first time since reorganising during the pandemic.

Subject to the International Air Services Commission’s approval, Virgin Australia will return to long-haul flying in June, with flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha.

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

Bain Capital, which acquired Virgin Australia in 2020, remains the majority owner. Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have been codesharing since 2022.