Ahmed Albaitani, a Michigan resident, has filed a lawsuit against Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C., alleging gross negligence and unprofessional conduct related to the handling of his checked baggage. The complaint was filed on November 13, 2025, in the District Court for Macomb County, Michigan. Albaitani claims that the airline’s actions have caused him significant material and emotional distress.
According to the complaint, Albaitani traveled internationally with Qatar Airways on July 14, 2025, from Detroit to Baghdad via New York and Doha. Upon arrival in Baghdad, he discovered that his checked suitcase was severely damaged, with numerous valuable personal items either destroyed or missing. Despite providing extensive documentation including photos and receipts proving losses exceeding USD 2,500, Qatar Airways offered only USD 90 as compensation for the broken suitcase. This offer did not account for the destroyed contents.
Albaitani describes months of frustrating interactions with Qatar Airways’ representatives who allegedly displayed dismissive behavior towards him. He claims they forced him to carry his broken luggage through the airport without assistance while making derogatory remarks about passengers arriving from the United States. This treatment reportedly led to severe anxiety and ongoing psychological distress for Albaitani.
The plaintiff asserts that Qatar Airways’ conduct violated Articles 17 and 22(2) of the Montreal Convention (1999), which governs international air carriage involving baggage damage. Additionally, under Michigan Tort Law and Restatement (Second) of Torts ยง46, Albaitani argues that he is entitled to compensation for intentional infliction of emotional distress due to what he describes as extreme and outrageous conduct by the defendant.
In seeking relief from the court, Albaitani requests a judgment awarding him USD 75,000 for both material and emotional damages. He also seeks punitive damages for what he terms gross negligence and bad-faith conduct by Qatar Airways. Furthermore, he asks for reimbursement of all filing fees and costs associated with this case. Lastly, Albaitani urges that a certified copy of his complaint be referred to relevant aviation authorities in both the U.S. and Qatar for regulatory action against recurring negligence at Baghdad International Airport.
Representing himself pro se in this legal battle against a major international airline presents challenges; however, Ahmed Albaitani remains determined to seek justice for what he perceives as significant wrongs done unto him during his travels.
This case is being overseen by Judge Jonathan J.C. Grey with referral duties assigned to Judge Kimberly G. Altman under Case ID: 2:25-cv-13614-JJCG-KGA.
Source: 225cv13614_Ahmed_Abaitani_v_Qatar_Airways_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan..pdf
