Did Australia’s Decision to Block Flights in Qatar’s Strip-Searches of Women factors?

Australia’s government blocked Qatar Airways’ request for new flights, citing the contentious strip searches that Qatari police carried out on five Australian women in Doha as a major factor.

In a press conference, Transport Minister Catherine King voiced her worries, highlighting the intrusive nature of the gynaecological examinations that were conducted at Doha International Airport in 2020. These tests were performed as part of an inquiry into the shocking finding of a newborn baby in an airport lavatory, which drew international attention.

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For indication, this is the only airline where something similar has occurred, said Minister King. I can’t deny that I was aware of it, but it clearly wasn’t the only one. She emphasized that while the strip searches had an impact on her choice, they were not the only reason, saying, “There was no one factor that influenced this decision.”

Since rejecting a Qatar Airways application for 21 extra weekly flights to several airports across the nation, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the Australian government has come under a lot of criticism.

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However, that action has come under increasing scrutiny as aviation organizations struggle to dispute the government’s claims, former ACCC commissioners criticize the choice, and opposition and crossbench politicians pledge to look into the matter.

The federal Opposition has charged that King suppressed information about the factors that led to her decision and that the government protects Qantas from competition. A Senate committee investigation into the matter has been requested by the Coalition.

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