Qatar Airways is facing backlash after a crew member stole a passenger’s phone during a flight from Doha to Singapore on March 28, 2025. The passenger briefly left their phone in a lavatory before landing. Upon returning, the phone was gone. Tracking data showed the phone was moved from Singapore to the Philippines. Qatar Airways dismissed the crew member after confirming the theft.

The passenger criticized Qatar Airways for mishandling the situation. The airline initially described the incident as “unattended personal belongings,” a claim contradicted by their own investigation. They offered compensation of SGD 949 (around £560), but the passenger found this inadequate, as it only covered the replacement cost.

The situation has escalated to both the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority and Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority. The complaints highlight not only the theft but also poor customer service from Qatar Airways. The passenger, a former loyal customer of another airline, expressed dissatisfaction with how the airline responded to such a serious security breach.

Experts argue that airlines must take responsibility for the actions of their staff, especially when theft occurs. This case raises concerns about Qatar Airways’ security measures, employee vetting processes, and compensation for such incidents. Similar cases have occurred before, further damaging the airline’s reputation.

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