The latest updates.
Australian travellers will soon enjoy greater connectivity and rewards thanks to the recent partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways.
On 27 February 2025, the Foreign Investment Review Board gave the all-clear for Qatar Airways Group to take a minority 25% stake in Virgin Australia, following the Australian Federal Treasurer’s approval earlier that day and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Draft Determination on 18 February.
A final approval from the ACCC is expected in March/April 2025 and Virgin awaits a decision from the International Air Services Commission (IASC) on the proposed uncontested allocation of air rights for services between Australia and Qatar.
Subject to IASC approval, Virgin Australia will return to long-haul flying in June 2025 with flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha, while flights from Melbourne to Doha are planned to start operations in December 2025. The flights will be operated using aircraft wet-leased from Qatar Airways and featuring the Doha-based carrier’s cockpit and cabin crew.
This partnership is great news for Australian travellers who can soon expect greater value and choice for services to a wide range of European, Middle Eastern and African destinations in Qatar’s strong global network with more than 100 new connecting itineraries available. The expanded codeshare arrangement and partnership will also provide access to increased points earning and redemption opportunities for members of Velocity and Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club.
