Qantas’ application to challenge a Federal Court ruling was dismissed today, the airline now left with little recourse but to pay travel agents millions in unpaid commissions.

The ruling marks the end of a four year battle between travel agents who brought a class action suit against Qantas, Air New Zealand, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airlines which started in December 2006.

“For more than six years Qantas has been short changing travel agents,” Litigation Lending Services chief executive Michelle Silvers said.

“This is a great victory that could have implications across the international airline industry.”

While the High Court has decided against Qantas, Slater & Gordon lawyer Steven Lewis said Qantas must now take steps to resolves the dispute.

“Qantas has had its day in Court and its excuses for not paying the commission have been rejected by the Court.

“The mum and dad travel agents, which make up the bulk of our clients, now need to be paid what they are owed and allowed to get on with their businesses,” Mr Lewis said.