Australian Authorities Approve Qatar Airways' Stake in Virgin Australia
The Australian authorities have given the green light to Qatar Airways' acquisition of a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. This move is expected to boost competition in the aviation sector, although the transaction amount has not been disclosed.
Virgin Australia is currently controlled by the American investment firm Bain Capital. With this agreement, the airline could gain ground against Qantas Airways, which has dominated the Australian market for years. Since late 2024, Virgin Australia has become the number one domestic carrier, while Qantas remains the leader in international flights.
The agreement provides for an increase in flights between Australia and Doha, departing from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. This expansion is expected to improve connections to Europe and potentially lead to lower airfare prices, as Qantas has been criticized for its high international fares.
Qatar Airways' entry into Virgin Australia is changing the Australian aviation landscape. Competition is intensifying, and travelers may benefit from more options and attractive prices.
