Australia's flag carrier Qantas Airways declared its first dividend in more than five years and reported an 11.2% increase in its first-half underlying profit on Thursday. The airline declared an interim dividend of 16.

Qantas Airways Ltd. is paying its first dividend since before the pandemic, underscoring the airline’s financial recovery following the crisis and the increasing demand for air travel.

Australia’s major airline will pay a dividend for the first time since 2019 after a rise in fiscal first-half profit.

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

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.

Qatar Airways has been given the green light to buy a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has signed off on the acquisition which will see the Middle Eastern carrier operate more flights between Australia and Doha.