Court grants leave for Australian women to sue Qatar Airways over alleged invasive physical examinations
Guardian2 days
Australian Women Win Right to Sue Qatar Airways Over Strip Searches
Above: A Qatar Airways Airbus A350 at the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Italy on July 8, 2025. Image copyright: Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The primary judge erred in dismissing the proceedings against Qatar Airways and MATAR. These are cases of considerable complexity that were not given the due diligence they deserved at the stage of summary dismissal. It is important, therefore, for the appellants to have their case settled in court.
Narrative B
The cases against Qatar Airways and MATAR are legally flawed. Neither the airline nor the airport operator was able to exert any control over the behavior of the Qatari authorities, who were conducting a local law enforcement operation. Since these actions are not commercial, they lie beyond Australian jurisdiction.