COLOGNE- Lufthansa (LH) faces a revived lawsuit from a gay couple who accuse the airline of disclosing their marriage to Saudi Arabian authorities during a 2021 check-in at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH).

The incident allegedly led to severe personal and legal consequences for the Saudi citizen in the couple.

The United States citizen and Saudi Arabian citizen, married in San Francisco (SFO) since 2013, had maintained a discreet 33 year relationship to avoid risks in Saudi Arabia.

A Ninth Circuit ruling on October 30, 2025, reversed a lower court’s dismissal, allowing the case to proceed in California federal court due to Lufthansa’s business ties there.

Lufthansa Gay Couple Lawsuit

The couple selected Lufthansa (LH) for their May 2021 flight from Riyadh (RUH) to San Francisco (SFO), expecting privacy in handling US entry requirements amid pandemic travel bans.

These rules required proof of immediate family ties for non-US citizens from high-risk countries like Saudi Arabia.

At the airport counter, the Saudi citizen faced questions about his relationship to the U.S. citizen. The couple requested a private discussion with the deputy station manager. In a secluded area, they presented their California marriage certificate.

The manager reacted with audible disbelief, shouting that he could not accept their marriage as valid. He continued to question and demean them publicly, drawing unwanted attention.

Lufthansa staff then escorted the couple to an office to scan passports and the marriage certificate for transmission to headquarters.

The couple voiced fears of interception by Saudi authorities, given the country’s stance on same-sex relationships.

The deputy manager dismissed these concerns and refused their request to involve the station manager. Despite the ordeal, the couple boarded the flight.

Communication breakdowns followed. Lufthansa promised a follow-up but failed to contact them, leaving the couple anxious about potential fallout.

Marital Status Change Sparks Alarm

One month later, the Saudi citizen checked his government profile and found his status updated from “single” to “married.” The couple alleges no other source could have revealed this information except Lufthansa’s handling of their documents.

Saudi law criminalizes same-sex acts, with penalties including imprisonment, flogging, or execution, though enforcement varies.

This discovery forced the Saudi citizen into permanent exile. He relocated to the US on a visa, later securing a Green Card, but has not returned to Saudi Arabia since.

The separation cut him off from his family, who remain unaware of his relationship. The couple also sold Saudi real estate at a $300,000 loss to sever ties.

The stress allegedly triggered pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease, in the Saudi citizen. Medical records link the condition to acute emotional trauma from the incident.

Legal and Personal Fallout

The couple filed suit in California federal court in 2023, seeking damages for negligence, emotional distress, and privacy violations. Lufthansa argued a lack of jurisdiction, as the events occurred abroad.

In March 2024, US District Judge Susan Illston dismissed the case, ruling the claims did not connect sufficiently to Lufthansa’s California operations.

The Ninth Circuit overturned this on October 30, 2025, in a 2-1 decision. The panel found ample links, including the couple’s San Francisco residence, Lufthansa’s frequent flights to SFO, and the airline’s US marketing of privacy protections.

The ruling sends the case back for trial, potentially exposing Lufthansa to liability.

According to OMAAT, the allegations highlight gaps in airline training on sensitive disclosures, especially in regions with anti-LBGTQ+ laws.

Challenges in Proving Causation

Plaintiffs must demonstrate that Lufthansa’s actions directly caused the profile change and subsequent harms.

Possible transmission paths include routine data sharing with Saudi officials for visa compliance or inadvertent leaks during document processing.

The deputy manager, still employed by Lufthansa per public profiles, faces no individual charges yet.

Saudi Arabia’s digital systems monitor personal data closely, but proving interception requires forensic evidence. The couple’s long secrecy strengthens their claim that the airport encounter was the sole breach.

Ethical Implications for Global Airlines

Airlines like Lufthansa (LH) operate in diverse legal landscapes, balancing passenger rights with local regulations. This case underscores the need for enhanced staff training on LGBTQ+ sensitivity and data security.

It echoes recent US Department of Transportation fines against Lufthansa for other discrimination issues, signaling heightened scrutiny.

The ruling may set precedents for jurisdiction in international privacy suits, encouraging carriers to adopt uniform global protocols. For the couple, victory could affirm protections for vulnerable travelers.

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