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

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

Will a price war emerge as Qatar takes a 25% stake in Virgin Australia boosting services between Australia and Doha? Alxandra Jones speaks with Aviation Expert Ellis Taylor from Cirium, plus SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves takes a look at the day's market action with Henry Jennings from

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