Over 61 million euros

Airline Qantas must pay millions in fines

The Australian airline Qantas had sold tickets for flights that had already been canceled - and this is now costing it dearly: The airline agreed with the competition authority on a payment of 100 million Australian dollars (around 61.4 million euros), it was reported on Monday.

Qantas had let its customers down when resuming flight operations after the coronavirus pandemic and failed to meet its own standards. As part of the settlement, the airline with the kangaroo on its tail unit also wants to compensate affected passengers. "Today is another important step in restoring confidence in the national airline," said Group CEO Vanessa Hudson.

The cost of the compensation program amounts to around 20 million Australian dollars. Each affected customer is to receive between 225 and 450 Australian dollars. Qantas was sued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in August for selling tickets for thousands of flights after they had already been canceled.