Australia's competition regulator has approved Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to jointly operate flights between Doha and major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth for the next five years. The alliance, supported by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), was granted interim approval in November for 28 weekly scheduled return flights. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey stated that the collaboration will benefit the public by increasing capacity on routes between Australia and the Middle East, potentially leading to lower prices and offering customers more flight options and loyalty program benefits. Although concerns were raised about potential exclusivity arrangements impacting Virgin Australia's partnerships with other airlines, such conditions were not included in the authorization. The interim approval will be in place until the final decision takes effect.