The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, allowing them to engage in cooperative conduct under an integrated alliance.

The ACCC has also accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways in relation to the conduct.

Under the interim authorisation, Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways can commence marketing and selling 28 weekly scheduled return flights between Doha and Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

The new services will be in addition to the international services already operated by Qatar Airways.

The airlines sought urgent interim authorisation to enable Virgin Australia to start flying its new Australia-Doha services from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in June 2025, with Perth services to follow in November 2025.