Virgin Australia overtakes Qantas as largest domestic airline

Virgin Australia has a domestic market share of 35% as of December 2024.

This overtook Qantas’ 34.6% share, according to a report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

However, Qantas Group is still the dominant player.

Qantas owned subsidiary Jetstar is third with a 29% share of the market.

It means just three airlines control the market.

The ACCC says Virgin has likely benefitted most from the collapse of regional carrier Rex last year.

Virgin also had better on time performance stats than Qantas, the watchdog said.

The ACCC said it also plans to approve the airline partnership of Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways.

This will see additional flights linking Doha and Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Qatar Airways has agreed to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia.