Sydney — A group of Australian women has been granted permission to proceed with legal action against Qatar Airways, following a landmark ruling by the Federal Court of Australia over invasive body searches conducted at Doha’s Hamad International Airport in 2020.
The court decision, handed down this week, overturned an earlier judgment in favor of the airline. It clears the way for the women to sue the carrier after they were removed from a Qatar Airways flight and subjected to non-consensual physical examinations, allegedly ordered by airport officials after a newborn was discovered abandoned in an airport bathroom on October 2, 2020.
According to court documents, the women, who were en route to Sydney, were taken to ambulances on the tarmac and examined without explanation or consent. The court noted that at least four women were affected, with three enduring especially invasive searches.
The incident triggered diplomatic outrage in Australia at the time and later influenced Canberra’s decision to reject Qatar Airways' bid for more flight slots in the country. It also prompted broader questions about passengers’ rights during international security investigations.
“This is not just about one flight,” said a source close to the legal proceedings. “It’s about setting a precedent for how passengers, particularly women, are treated when crossing international borders.”
Qatar Airways, which holds a 25% stake in Virgin Australia and has ambitions to grow its footprint in the region, faces potential reputational and legal challenges as the case heads to trial. The airline has not issued a public statement regarding the court’s decision.
Legal experts say the case could shape future interpretations of international aviation responsibility and passenger protection under Australian law.
The women are now expected to pursue damages for the distress and trauma suffered, with trial proceedings anticipated in the coming months.
