Qantas stopped all domestic and international flights as of 5 p.m. (AEDT) on Saturday, Oct. 29 in response to the industrial action by three of its unions — the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA), the Australian International Pilots Association (AIPA) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU). But an Australian court early Monday morning Australia time ended the strikes and employee lockout that grounded Qantas aircraft. At press time, the airline said it planned to inform customers soon when flights would resume.
The labor arbitration court heard testimony from the airline, the Australian government and unions after the government called the emergency hearing on Saturday. The unions wanted a temporary suspension of the employee lockout, but the airline said the strikes had been too devastating and it needed certainty to continue operating.
When it suspended service, Qantas said it would provide a full refund for any flights cancelled due to the industrial action. Customers also could rebook their flights for a later date. Customers were advised not to travel to the airport unless they are traveling on a QantasLink, Jetstar or Jet Connect flight, and are urged to reconsider any non-urgent travel and defer their travel plans wherever possible. Qantas said it also codeshares with a number of airlines and these carriers are continuing their operations as scheduled. These flights have both Qantas and alternative carrier flight numbers — for example, QF319 and BA16. Flight status is available on www.qantas.com.
For international customers stranded because of the flight cancellations, Qantas said it would arrange accommodations, meals and transfers. Full details of how to claim a reimbursement, including an online claim form, will be available on www.qantas.com.
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