Court Fine Against Qantas Raises Questions for Future Travelers
In August 2025, Australia’s Federal Court handed Qantas Airways a historic AU$90 million fine for illegally laying off 1,820 ground staff during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The judgment focused on Qantas’s move to outsource baggage handling and aircraft cleaning at multiple airports, a decision the court ruled was in violation of the Fair Work Act. Justice Michael Lee described the decision as a landmark event in the evolution of Australian labor law. Half of the fine, AU$50 million, will go to the Transport Workers’ Union, which played a decisive role in exposing Qantas’s actions and bringing them before the court.
Prior to this penalty, Qantas had already agreed to pay AU$120 million in compensation to dismissed staff after losing an appeal in the High Court. The judge strongly criticized the airline’s actions, explaining that it appeared more concerned with protecting its image and contesting lawsuits than with taking real responsibility. Justice Lee emphasized that Qantas appeared more intent on safeguarding its profits and public reputation rather than acknowledging how deeply its decisions affected the lives of its employees He added that the company’s later apologies looked more like efforts to repair its reputation than genuine expressions of regret for the difficulties its workers faced
I do think that the people in charge of Qantas now have some genuine regret, but this more likely reflects the damage that this case has done to the company rather than remorse for the damage done to the affected workers.
This decision matters in ways that go well beyond legal battles between large companies. The employees dismissed in 2020 were not just names on a list, but the people who performed the essential daily work that kept air travel running smoothly. Baggage handlers, aircraft cleaners, and ground staff are essential for keeping flights on time and making sure passengers have a safe journey. When airlines cut back on or outsource these roles, passengers immediately notice the difference. Long queues at check-in, lost bags, or disappointing service are usually the outcome of broader strategic choices made by the airline’s leadership.
The ruling also reshapes how passengers view airline loyalty and influences the choices they make when booking flights. When choosing an airline, passengers usually look at ticket costs, schedules, and loyalty programs, but this ruling draws attention to another important factor: how the airline treats its employees and whether it acts in a fair and responsible way. An airline that values and supports its employees is far more likely to provide passengers with reliable service and a genuinely positive travel experience. When booking long-haul flights, more travelers are likely to notice how an airline treats its staff, viewing it as a sign of trustworthiness, professionalism, and quality service, in addition to considering price and convenience.
This fine marks a significant shift for the aviation industry and establishes a precedent that may shape the behavior of airlines across the globe. For travelers, this makes it clear that the quality of their journey is strongly influenced by how well airlines treat their employees. A comfortable journey starts long before passengers board the plane, relying on the dedication and reliability of the staff who work behind the scenes. Qantas must now demonstrate that it has genuinely learned from past mistakes and that it is ready to place fair and ethical practices at the center of its operations. Passengers are expected to pay close attention, considering not just whether ticket prices remain fair but also if the airline’s upcoming decisions demonstrate transparency, responsibility, and a sincere commitment to acting ethically.