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In a sensational 90-minute Senate commission hearing initially slated for just 60 minutes, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce faced piercing questions on the flight credit debacle that has left passengers fuming and regulators puzzled. Joyce’s obfuscation, particularly in blaming travel agents for holding onto customer credits, seemed to fuel more fire than clarity in the room.

Committee chair Senator Jane Hume not-so-subtly quipped when Joyce expressed urgency to wrap up the hearing, saying, “I’m sure [your flight] will be delayed,” further emphasizing the strained relations between the airline and the governing body.

Jetstar CEO Steph Tully, who was also present, disclosed that the budget airline is holding roughly $100 million in flight credits. This came on the heels of a staggering revelation last week that Qantas had $370 million worth of pending credits. Joyce, however, was cagey about the amount held for international passengers, stating only that it was “less than $100 million.”

Contrary to Joyce’s claim that credits were the purview of travel agents, insiders have consistently asserted that the money is squarely in the coffers of the airline and its subsidiary, Jetstar. They argue that consumers have paid the airlines directly, and the airlines are choosing to retain the funds.

Interestingly, Joyce dodged questions about special privileges granted to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s son in the exclusive Chairman’s Lounge, citing “privacy reasons.” The question indicated a broader inquiry into the airline’s opaque operations and privileges.

While Joyce and his team didn’t rule out extending the deadline for utilizing flight credits beyond December this year, they seemed reluctant. The CEO claimed a “line in the sand” needed to be drawn, even as the company aims to zero out all outstanding credits by year’s end.

As the clock ticks closer to that end-of-year deadline, scrutiny will likely heighten. With millions of dollars in the balance, Qantas’ reluctant refund policy has not only affected customer trust but has also caught the eye of regulators. This high-stakes Senate hearing has laid bare an intricate web of financial commitments and non-disclosures requiring further investigation. Whether Joyce and his team will fly out unscathed remains to be seen.