Settlement Reached Without Admission of Liability
SYDNEY — Qantas Airways has agreed to a $105 million settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding flight credits issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The settlement, subject to court approval, addresses claims made by thousands of customers whose flights were cancelled, according to Echo Law, the firm representing the plaintiffs.
The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, argued that Qantas customers were entitled to cash refunds for cancelled flights but instead received restricted flight credits. Andrew Paull, Partner at Echo Law, stated, “This is a very significant financial settlement which will see compensation put into the hands of hundreds of thousands of Qantas customers.”
Impact and Next Steps for Affected Customers
This settlement comes amid increased scrutiny on airline refund policies following widespread disruptions during the pandemic. Other airlines globally have faced similar legal challenges regarding their handling of cancellations and refunds. The settlement reflects a growing trend where airlines are held accountable for their refund and cancellation policies, especially during unprecedented global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers have voiced their frustrations over the lack of transparency and the difficulty in obtaining refunds, leading to a surge in legal actions. As part of the settlement, Qantas has agreed to improve its communication with customers regarding their rights and options in the event of flight cancellations. This move is expected to restore some confidence among its customer base and set a precedent for other airlines to follow. The court’s approval of this settlement is anticipated to influence future policies and practices within the airline industry, emphasizing the importance of customer-centric approaches.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 2 April 2026, 4:34 pm
