The Virgin-Qatar deal is welcome, but it’s not the silver bullet Australian aviation needs

<p>At a time when money can clearly be made domestically and passengers are paying more, this deal won’t fix competition woes</p><ul><li>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></li></ul><p>Australians have not exactly been spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a domestic airline, but Qatar Airways’ push to acquire a 25% stake in Virgin Australia could bring a welcome shake-up to the aviation industry.</p><p>News of a second Australian carrier now flying to the Middle East – albeit with Qatari planes and crew initially – and a global network of connections beyond that, poses a genuine alternative for travellers to consider, and a serious challenge to Qantas’s stranglehold.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=copyembed">Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email</a></strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/28/qatar-virgin-airways-australia-deal-jim-chalmers">Continue reading...</a>