Qantas says it will move swiftly to compensate nearly 1700 workers who the High Court found were sacked illegally during the pandemic in a saga that could cost the airline up to $200 million, but would still leave it with savings from the decision to outsource ground staff.

The unanimous decision, which upheld a ruling that Qantas was partly motivated to outsource baggage handlers and cleaners to avoid industrial action, sends the case back to the Federal Court. There, Justice Michael Lee will determine the scale of fines to be levied against Qantas for breaching the Fair Work Act and compensation for the 1683 sacked workers.