The Australian government on Thursday approved Qatar Airways' move to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia from U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital saying the deal would deliver more international flights and support jobs.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has given the green light for Qatar Airways to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, as part of a strategic alliance. The deal will shake up the Australian aviation market.

Qatar Airways Ltd.’s acquisition of a 25% stake in Virgin Australia can proceed subject to enforceable conditions, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, adding the deal would improve competition in the country’s highly-concentrated aviation sector.

Qatar Airways has finally received regulatory approval to take a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia paving the way for international collaboration.

Qatar Airways’ investment will provide VA with access to the expertise and scale of a global airline, enhancing its ability to compete in domestic and international markets. Existing shareholders—Bain Capital, Virgin Group, and Queensland Investment Corporation—will retain their stakes in the airline.

Australian travellers are set to benefit after a deeper strategic partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways Group was given the green light by the Australian Government. Qatar Airways Group's minority 25 per cent investment in Virgin Australia has now received Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval following the federal Treasurer's announcement today.

Qatar Airways has clinched regulatory approval for a 25% investment in Virgin Australia, paving the way for the Australian carrier to eventually restart long-haul operations.

The Australian government has approved Qatar Airways’ investment in Virgin Australia, which is an important part of the multifaceted partnership proposed by the two carriers. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled that Qatar Airways can proceed with its plan to purchase a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia.

Australians will benefit from stronger competition in the aviation sector, the Treasurer has said, as he approved Qatar Airways acquiring a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia. The approval will mean 28 new weekly return services between Doha and Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Australia on Thursday approved Qatar Airways buying a 25% stake in Virgin Australia from U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital, posing a challenge for national flag carrier Qantas that has long dominated Australian air routes.