Piper Alderman secures $105 million settlement in Qantas COVID Flight Credits Class Action

Piper Alderman has secured a $105 million settlement in the class action against Qantas Airways Limited relating to cancelled flights during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The Federal Court proceeding was conducted by Piper Alderman and Echo Law and brought on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Qantas customers whose domestic and international flights were cancelled between 1 January 2020 and 1 November 2022. The proceeding was supported by litigation funders CASL and Omni Bridgeway.

The class action arose from Qantas’ response to widespread flight cancellations during the pandemic. It alleged that affected customers were contractually entitled to cash refunds when their flights were cancelled, but instead were issued travel credits, often with restrictions and expiry dates. The proceeding also alleged misleading or deceptive conduct and breaches of consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law.

Qantas has agreed to settle the class action for $105 million, subject to approval by the Federal Court, with no admission of liability. The settlement sum will be paid to group members pursuant to a Court‑approved settlement administration process.

Piper Alderman’s team included class actions partner, Kate Sambrook, with support from class actions partner, Hannah Brown and special counsel Claire Campbell.

Ms Sambrook said the settlement was a significant outcome for affected customers.

“This is a fantastic result for group members. We are very pleased to have secured this outcome, especially in today’s climate with the ongoing cost of living challenges.”

Once approved by the Court, eligible group members will be notified directly and provided with details about the settlement, including how to register and make a claim for compensation.

The settlement represents one of the most significant consumer class action outcomes in Australia arising from the COVID‑19 pandemic and follows sustained scrutiny of airline refund practices during that period.

Piper Alderman has extensive experience acting in complex, large‑scale class actions and consumer law proceedings and regularly works alongside lead firms and litigation funders to support the efficient conduct and resolution of matters involving widespread consumer harm.

Related media:

• Qantas to pay $105m after class action over cancelled COVID flights, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 March 2026
• Qantas Settles COVID Flight Credits Suit for $105M, Mirage News, 13 March 2026
• Qantas pays $105m to settle Covid flight credits case, The Australian, 13 March 2026