In a shocking turn of events, Australian airline giant Qantas has been fined a whopping $66 million for its involvement in the controversial 'ghost flights' debacle. The Australian Competition Authority has brought to light the airline's deceptive practices of selling seats on flights that were long-cancelled, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded and misled.
Gina Cass-Gottlieb, chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, condemned Qantas' actions, labeling them as "appalling and unacceptable." The revelation that Qantas continued to advertise flights despite their cancellation not only affected holiday plans but also disrupted business and travel arrangements for countless individuals.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson issued a statement acknowledging the airline's failure to notify customers promptly about cancellations, expressing sincere regret for the inconvenience caused. The airline has also committed to compensating 86,000 affected passengers with a sum of $13 million.
The 'ghost flights' scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability within the aviation industry. As consumers, it's crucial to remain vigilant and demand integrity from the companies we entrust with our travel plans.