In a significant legal development, five women who were subjected to invasive strip searches at Doha airport have gained the right to pursue legal action against Qatar Airways and the airport operator. The women, who were removed from a Qatar Airways flight in October 2020 after a newborn baby was found, had initially sought damages for assault and false imprisonment. While the initial court dismissed the claims, the Full Federal Court overturned the decision, allowing the case against Qatar Airways and the airport operator, MATAR, to proceed, citing that the circumstances surrounding the searches fell within the scope of embarking or disembarking operations. The court, however, upheld the dismissal of the case against the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
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Qatar Airways’ order of 160 Boeing twin-aisle jets during a visit by then-President Trump generated considerable online buzz, sparking a range of reactions and interpretations. The sheer scale of the order, coupled with the timing, fueled speculation about potential impropriety. The immediate suspicion centered on the possibility of bribery, with many suggesting that the deal was essentially a payoff to Trump, possibly influencing decisions related to other Boeing contracts.
The price tag of the order, and the implied cost per plane, raised eyebrows. Several commentators pointed out that the cost seemed inflated, suggesting a significant markup beyond the usual market value.… Continue reading
On a Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne to Doha, Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin witnessed a passenger die mid-flight and were subsequently forced to sit next to the deceased for four hours. Despite their distress, the flight crew did not allow them to relocate, and the airline has since apologized for any inconvenience. The couple received no further support from Qatar Airways following the incident, and are now attempting to enjoy their remaining vacation in Venice.
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Damascus International Airport resumed full international operations on January 7th, with the arrival of a Qatar Airways flight, marking the first such flight in nearly 13 years. A Syrian Airlines flight to the UAE also departed, signifying a return to international commercial travel after a month-long closure following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. This event coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts by Syria’s new authorities to re-engage with the international community and rebuild the war-torn nation. The airport’s reopening, following damage and theft, is seen as a symbol of hope and a new beginning.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood