In a landmark decision by the Federal Court of Australia, five women have been granted the right to sue Qatar Airways for subjecting them to invasive examinations in 2020. The incident, which took place at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, saw the women being forcibly strip-searched while attempting to board a flight to Sydney. The court’s ruling overturns a lower court’s dismissal of the case against Qatar Airways, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), and MATAR, the airport operations group.
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On October 2, 2020, the five women were asked to deplane and taken to an ambulance on the tarmac where four of them underwent bodily examinations without their consent. Shockingly, three of the women were subjected to invasive procedures during this ordeal. Despite the traumatic experience, the women were eventually allowed back on the plane before it departed. The search and examinations were reportedly conducted in an attempt to locate the mother of an abandoned baby found in the airport terminal.
Initially, the lower court had dismissed the women’s case against Qatar Airways and the other entities involved. However, three federal judges unanimously agreed that the Montreal Convention, a treaty establishing airline liability for losses and damages in international travel, had been erroneously overlooked. Damian Sturzaker, the women’s lawyer, expressed the clients’ satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the lack of apology or compensation for the distress caused.
The ruling signifies a significant step towards accountability for Qatar Airways in the wake of the disturbing incident. While the case against QCAA was dismissed, the airline and MATAR are still facing potential legal action from the women. Sturzaker expressed optimism regarding the additional evidence that could strengthen the case against Qatar Airways and MATAR as the legal proceedings progress.
In response to the court’s decision, Qatar Airways did not provide an immediate comment on the matter, leaving the women’s lawyer and advocates to continue seeking justice for their clients. The prosecutor in Qatar revealed that airport security staff members involved in the examinations had been charged, along with the mother of the abandoned child, who was accused of attempted murder and had left the country.
The women who were subjected to the invasive examinations are bravely pushing forward with their pursuit of justice as they prepare for a trial expected to take place in the coming year. With more than 18 women, including 13 Australians, reportedly undergoing similar examinations, the case has garnered international attention and highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in such situations.
The ruling by the Federal Court of Australia serves as a significant development in holding airlines accountable for the treatment of their passengers and ensuring that incidents of this nature are thoroughly investigated and addressed. As the legal proceedings continue, the women involved and their legal representation remain steadfast in their quest for justice and rightful compensation for the trauma they endured at the hands of Qatar Airways.