Virgin Australia said granting Qantas and Emirates interim authorisation for an alliance would allow the airlines to “step beyond the line” and become anti-competitive.

Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd has submitted an eight-page report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), claiming interim authorisation would allow Qantas and Emirates to obtain a large segment of market share without proof of the benefits to consumers, The Australian Financial Review reported.

Virgin said the limited interactions between Qantas and Emirates did not warrant an interim authorisation.

The ACCC will make its final decision regarding the proposed alliance early next year.