The airline has since apologized and is working to rectify the error. Qantas has confirmed that the error was not a result of any malicious intent or human error. It is believed that the massive discount was caused by a coding error on the website.

* Australia’s competition authority confirmed that consumer laws do not require businesses to honor incorrectly advertised offers. * Businesses must, however, provide a suitable remedy if an erroneous price is subsequently withdrawn. * The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) clarified this position in a recent statement. * The ACCC emphasized that businesses should act fairly and transparently in all their dealings with consumers. * The ACCC’s stance is consistent with the broader principles of consumer protection in Australia.

This incident, dubbed the “Cathay Pacific mistake fare” incident, resulted in significant financial losses for the airline. The incident highlighted the importance of robust error-checking systems and the need for airlines to have clear policies for handling such situations. The airline industry is facing a growing concern about the availability of affordable air travel. The rising cost of fuel, labor, and airport fees has led to a significant increase in ticket prices.