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.

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

Australian competition watchdog allows for the marketing of flights, even though it is yet to give final approval to Qatar Airways’ 25% stake acquisition

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.

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Virgin is free to begin selling tickets on Qatar Airways-operated flights from Australia after getting an initial all clear from the competition watchdog.

ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said: “We consider that granting interim authorisation now will allow Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia the lead time to undertake the necessary planning discussions, marketing, selling and system alignment in preparation for Virgin Australia to commence flying the new services by June 2025.”

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.

Virgin and Qatar airlines can begin planning new flights between Australia and Doha together, with a final decision on their partnership due within months.