Why did the government reject Qatar Airways' bid for extra flights? | 7.30

A heated debate has erupted across the airline industry after the government knocked back a bid by Qatar Airways to increase flights to and from Australia. Transport Minister Catherine King has struggled to explain the decision, which critics say is costing the economy in lost tourism and higher airfares.

This story from Patrick Begley and Xanthe Kleinig.

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[theeternalchocoholic]

Australian aviation needs to reform to function in the interests of consumers. Rather than as a protection racket for Qantas

[oceanbreeze]

Why ban an airline that helped Australians home during a global pandemic? Why a so-called national carrier like Qantas; who abandoned Aussies overseas during the pandemic should get all the privileges?

[lours]

Supporting Qantas' profits is likely the main motivation. Doesn't Australia want the international tourist dollar?

[chrismiddleton]

This is an absolutely disgraceful decision that will significantly impact both numbers of tourists coming to Australia and Australians travelling overseas. Just what exactly is the Government up to ?

[AshleyRobjohns]

A little fishy that the prime ministers son gets a free pass to the Qantas chairman's lounge at the same time this decision is made.

[marklong]

Hey 7:30, can you ask the question whether the 2x Chairman lounge membership that Qantas offer all politicians had any sway on Catherine Kings' decision?

[ooSpyderoo]

I would support protecting our own airline if it was at a loss or in danger of going under, but boasting 2.5bn in profit there’s no need for it. Competition is needed, QANTAS was looked after through COVID while other businesses went down, they haven’t paid back in kind.

[saberint]

Qantas is a private (publicly listed) company, it shouldn’t have gov protection and as for qantas saving Australians… well for 2 years during Covid I couldn’t get back, then Ukraine got invaded and I was a refugee and there was absolutely 0 help from qantas to get home. So whilst I am only one person, multiple times qantas has “failed to save me”
Edit: as “Narsil” points out below they are a public company, not a private company. Thanks Narsil for correcting me🙂

[peterADL]

Very unfortunate decision, especially when Mrs Kings is not clearly able to explain whose interests are in play.

[reniusfasul]

Even myself as a Qantas shareholder, I would welcome more competition and cheaper flights for all people.

[lisajay]

Qantas said the high flights would stay as ticket prices had permanently readjusted or some such nonsense. Air New Zealand are expensive too. Our current government are doing all they can to make everything hugely expensive.

[rrbrrssl]

Qantas did put the regular international flying on hold during Covid and left to foreign airlines, as Qatar Airways, to do the heavy job. Qantas is more of a weight to the Australia than a help.

[ademariojunior]

I lived in Australia a few years ago at a post-doc research endeavour. Whenever I consider coming back to visit friends, the flight prices are so high that I think twice. After covid, my wife and I have already visited Europe departing from our home country Brazil to see my niece in Germany. Australia will be always more expensive, indeed, but it could be not so way more expensive.

[johnpatrick]

Look at the Chairmen's Club membership to see what politicians and their families are members. Look at the political donations from Qantas. Look at the recent Qantas promoting Albo's love for the Voice . There lies the answer to why citizens have higher fares.

[entershikarii]

We don't need to 'protect' jobs when the unemployment rate is close to a half-a-century low, minster. Let extra flights come in to provide better competition and put downward pressure on fares to assist the broader community — this will also help mitigate inflation and stabilise interest rates sooner. Virgin is in partnership with Qatar Airways, this is effectively local competition that is being impeded. 😔

[brettr]

For the government to say 'save Aussie jobs' is a bit rich considering Qantas is in court for sacking staff illegally.
End the protection racquet and open up domestic routes also

[amatesi]

Both Qantas and the Gov are being unreasonable, opaque and difficult in this instance - do better!!!

[AskieFox-ib]

Low tourism levels + complaining about unruly tourist doesn’t sound good. Banning Qatar will make it worst.

[davidk]

Australian Airlines are allowed to operate domestically in NZ. But not vice versa.

[jamesbdriver]

Typical Australia bureaucracy and short sightedness especially from the King transport minister. Qantas needs a restructure and review of the product… below average airline that leaves you stranded.