The Australian Government has approved the Qatar Airways Group’s minority 25% stake in Virgin Australia,
unlocking cooperation opportunities including long-haul flights to Doha commencing from June1.
The value of the tie up to the Australian visitor economy, including tourism, is an estimated
$3 billion boost over the next five years.
Qatar Airways Group’s minority 25 per cent investment in Virgin Australia has received Foreign
Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval following the Federal Treasurer’s announcement today.
This follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Draft Determination on
18 February indicating its intention to authorize the airlines’ integrated alliance, with final approval
expected in March/April 2025.
Together, Virgin Australia said they help open the door to the airline’s return to long-haul
international flying. 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.
Virgin Australia said that Qatar Airways Group’s 25 per cent stake will provide Virgin Australia with access to the scale and expertise of a world-leading global airline, strengthening its ability to compete domestically and
internationally and driving increased competition in Australian aviation.
Bain Capital, Virgin Group, and Queensland Investment Corporation will retain shareholdings in Virgin
Australia.
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.
