MEDIA STATEMENT
Thursday, 29 October 2020
Qatar Airways must apologise to Australian passengers for unacceptable treatment
Download the official Media Statement here.
The Australian Services Union – Private Sector Branch is outraged by the treatment of female passengers, including Australian citizens prior to boarding a flight from Doha to Sydney on October 2.
13 Australian women were strip searched and subjected to invasive physical examinations without their consent, after reports airport terminal staff in Doha discovered a premature baby abandoned in a bathroom.
ASU Private Sector Branch Secretary Matt Norrey said Qatari authorities had treated these female passengers in a completely unacceptable manner.
“There is absolutely no justification for the manner in which these female passengers were treated.
“In subjecting these women to unnecessary invasive physical examinations, without their consent, Qatari authorities have acted in an entirely inappropriate manner and those responsible must be held to account.
“As one of Australia’s largest airline unions, we call on Qatari authorities to offer a complete apology to these women and to provide full assurances that this type of incident will never happen again.
“The Australian Services Union fully support calls for a thorough and independent investigation of this matter to provide justice to the women involved.”
Media Contact: Tim O’Halloran 0409 059 617
