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.

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.

The deal will open new routes for travellers and is expected to provide a long-term pathway for Virgin Australia to operate its own long-haul flights.

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.

Move will inject foreign competition into Australia's Qantas-dominated aviation sector. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Qatar's minority 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia has been approved by the Federal Government with VA long-haul flights to Doha starting on 1 June.

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.

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.

(Reuters) - Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers approved Qatar Airways' proposal to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, the Australian Financial Review reported early on Thursday.

Passengers and the aviation industry are expected to benefit from improved competition after a deal between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia was approved.