Flights to Australia from Abu Dhabi

New flights to Australia from Abu Dhabi have received interim approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.A joint venture between Virgin Blue and Etihad can now go ahead, with tickets for the new service going on sale at the start of next month.Virgin Blue Group chief executive John Borghetti explained the decision will now allow the airlines to offer a comprehensive flight service network to travellers.

He added:This is an important milestone as we create a global international network, greater competition on the international landscape and benefit our guests with great value fares, better scheduling and more choice.Qantas objected to the interim approval because it felt if the alliance was eventually denied it could lead to consumers having unfulfilled bookings.The new alliance is planning to offer three weekly flights to Sydney from Abu Dhabi by February 2011 as well as three weekly flights between Brisbane and Abu Dhabi.