Slapping back: The United States took the unprecedented step of slapping sanctions on Qantas Airways, after the Australian government suspended one of Northwest Airlines’ weekly flights from the United States. Washington ordered Qantas to cut its flights between Los Angeles and Sydney by 30 percent, from 10 to 7, marking the first time the United States has taken such action against a nation with which it had a bilateral aviation accord in place. The ongoing dispute involved Australia’s contention that Northwest has acted illegally by shuttling Japanese traffic to and from Sydney. The Qantas-Northwest sanctions will take effect June 30, the date set by the Australian government.
