The ACCC says the new services will be offered subject to final regulatory approval. However, its interim authorisation usually results in a final authorisation, which would be valid for five years. Qatar's proposed investment in Virgin also remains subject to approval from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board.

Australia's competition watchdog said on Friday it had given its interim approval for Virgin Australia [IPO-VIR.AX] to start selling Qatar Airways-operated flights between Doha and four capital cities in Australia.

Virgin Australia is edging closer to resuming long-haul international flights, although it will be with Qatar Airways aircraft and crews.

Virgin Australia’s alliance with Qatar Airways won’t negatively impact most partnerships or frequent flyer benefits. Existing partnerships with airlines like Singapore Airlines and South African Airways remain unchanged. The alliance aims to increase flight capacity and potentially lower fares.

Virgin Australia can start selling tickets for new Qatar Airways-operated flights between Doha and four Australian capital cities following an interim approval by the country's competition watchdog on Friday.

Australia's ACCC has granted interim approval to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways allowing them to cooperate under an integrated alliance

The competition watchdog will allow Virgin to start selling tickets on Qatar Airways-operated flights to Doha, but has warned the closer partnership between the airlines remains subject to final approval by the regulator and the Foreign Investment Review Board overseen by federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

ACCC has given temporary authorisation to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to engage in cooperative conduct under an integrated alliance.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim approval for a partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, which allows them to sell long-haul return flights starting in June 2025.