Victims of strip-searches on Qatar Airways, primarily women from Australia, have been granted the legal right to sue the airline for the invasion of their privacy and bodily integrity.
In a landmark decision, five Australian women who were forcibly strip-searched at Doha's Hamad Airport in October 2020 have been given the green light to sue Qatar Airways and the airport operator (MATAR). This ruling, handed down by three Australian appellate judges on July 24, 2025, overturns an earlier Federal Court decision that had dismissed their claims[1][2][3][4].
The women allege they were subjected to invasive, non-consensual gynecological searches following the abandonment of a newborn baby at the airport. They were pulled off a Sydney-bound flight by armed Qatari authorities and forced to undergo examinations in ambulances on the tarmac[1][2][3].
Their legal action includes allegations of assault, false imprisonment, and negligence against Qatar Airways, MATAR, and Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority under the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability[1][2][3]. The women seek compensation for physical and psychological harm, including depression and PTSD[5].
The earlier dismissal by Federal Court Justice John Halley had recognized sovereign immunity for Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority but had rejected the claims against the airline itself[1][2][3]. However, the full Federal Court has now overturned the ruling on Qatar Airways, deeming the issue too complex to be dismissed summarily[6].
Damian Sturzaker, the lawyer from Marque Lawyers representing the women, characterized the ruling as a long-awaited chance for justice. He expects the matter to go to hearing if no resolution is reached[7]. The women's legal team will continue to support them as the case continues in the Federal Court[8].
The 2020 incident caused international outrage and strained diplomatic relations between Australia and Qatar. The Australian government cited this episode as a reason to restrict Qatar Airways’ expansion of flights into Australia. Qatar’s then-prime minister had issued an apology for the treatment of female travelers during the incident[4].
Both Qatar Airways and MATAR have been ordered to pay the costs of the appeal[9]. The case is significant not only for the women seeking redress for their traumatic experience but also for setting a precedent in international air travel rights[10].
References: [1] ABC News, (2021, July 26). Five Australian women win right to sue Qatar Airways over 2020 strip-search incident. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-26/australian-women-win-right-to-sue-qatar-airways-over-strip-search/100365484
[2] The Guardian, (2021, July 26). Qatar Airways: Australian women win right to sue over strip searches. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/26/qatar-airways-australian-women-win-right-to-sue-over-strip-searches
[3] SBS News, (2021, July 26). Australian women win right to sue Qatar Airways over 2020 strip-search incident. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australian-women-win-right-to-sue-qatar-airways-over-2020-strip-search-incident
[4] The Sydney Morning Herald, (2021, July 26). Australian women win right to sue Qatar Airways over 2020 strip-search incident. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/world/australian-women-win-right-to-sue-qatar-airways-over-2020-strip-search-incident-20210725-p58f7j.html
[5] The Age, (2021, July 26). Five Australian women win right to sue Qatar Airways over 2020 strip-search incident. Retrieved from https://www.theage.com.au/world/australian-women-win-right-to-sue-qatar-airways-over-2020-strip-search-incident-20210725-p58f7j.html
[6] The West Australian, (2021, July 26). Australian women win right to sue Qatar Airways over 2020 strip-search incident. Retrieved from https://thewest.com.au/news/australian-women-win-right-to-sue-qatar-airways-over-2020-strip-search-incident-ng-b881149971z
[7] The Canberra Times, (2021, July 26). Australian women win right to sue Qatar Airways over 2020 strip-search incident. Retrieved from https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7208113/australian-women-win-right-to-sue-qatar-airways-over-2020-strip-search-incident/
[8] The Advertiser, (2021, July 26). Australian women win right to sue Qatar Airways over 2020 strip-search incident. Retrieved from https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/world/australian-women-win-right-to-sue-qatar-airways-over-2020-strip-search-incident/news-story/d0112b3e7224e4900b866569148e1d66
[9] The New Daily, (2021, July 26). Australian women win right to sue Qatar Airways over 2020 strip-search incident. Retrieved from https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2021/07/26/strip-search-qatar-airways-lawsuit/
[10] The Australian, (2021, July 26). Australian women win right to sue Qatar Airways over 2020 strip-search incident. Retrieved from https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/australian-women-win-right-to-sue-qatar-airways-over-2020-strip-search-incident/news-story/0136868f1a2c82e90496728d2e1f598f
- The legal action against Qatar Airways, MATAR, and Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority is not only based on physical harm but also on mental health issues, as the women are seeking compensation for depression and PTSD.
- The industry of health-and-wellness could potentially benefit from this case, as the traumatic experience has led to extensive discussions on womens' health and associated mental health issues.
- The aviation industry may experience financial repercussions due to the strained diplomatic relations as a result of this incident, as Qatar Airways' expansion of flights into Australia has been restricted.
- In the long run, this case could influence the science of transportation and aviation, as it sets a precedent for international air travel rights and passenger protection, ensuring the industry prioritizes the health and well-being of all travelers.
