Labor running ‘protection racket’ for Qantas by blocking extra Qatar airways flights, opposition claims

Peter Dutton tells Today show the price of flights is astronomical' and competition with Qantas would bring downward pressure on prices

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The federal opposition has accused the Albanese government of running a protection racket" for Qantas, as it questions the decision to block Qatar Airways from almost doubling its flights to Australia.

The government has in recent weeks defended its decision to reject a request from Qatar to fly an additional 21 services into Australia's major airports, beyond the 28 flights a week it currently operates under existing bilateral air rights.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup