Virgin CEO learned about Qatar decision through media, Senate inquiry told

Qatar Airways executives earlier told the inquiry they were surprised and shocked' by the government unfairly' rejecting its request to expand in Australia

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Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka told a Senate inquiry she found out about the Australian government's decision to block its partner airline Qatar Airways from expanding flights to Australia through the media, adding the ruling lacked any coherent logic" and was contrary to the national interest.

Hrdlicka, who appeared at a Senate inquiry in Canberra on Wednesday, said the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, also did not reveal the decision to her during their discussion on 13 July - three days after transport minister Catherine King had made the decision.