Etihad to end Virgin Australia partnership

Etihad Airways will end its unilateral codeshare and bilateral frequent-flyer partnership with Virgin Australia from 1 June 2025.

In a statement, Etihad cited a “divergence in the strategic direction of the respective airlines” for the decision to end the partnership.

Once the termination takes effect, passengers no longer will be able to book Virgin Australia-operated flights through Etihad’s booking channels, and members will not earn Guest Miles on those flights.

For Etihad customers with existing bookings that include a Virgin Australia-operated segment, there will be no changes to their itineraries, said the Abu Dhabi-based carrier.

The move comes just weeks after Qatar Airways announced its intent to acquire a 25 per cent stake…