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Australian and New Zealand carriers more than quadruple trans-Tasman flights after air travel bubble unveiled
April 7th 2021
New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has announced Australians can travel to New Zealand without being quarantined on arrival from 2359 local time Sunday, April 18. Read More » The policy change will expand the one-way arrangement now in place where travellers from New Zealand to Australia can do so without 14 days in quarantine on arrival.
"While quarantine-free travel to Australia and vice-versa will start in a fortnight, it will not be as it was pre-COVID," Ardern told reporters in Wellington. "We absolutely wish to encourage family and friends to reunite and visitors to come and enjoy the hospitality New Zealand is ready and willing to offer, but those undertaking travel on either side of the ditch (slang for the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand) will do so under the guidance of flyer beware. People must plan for the possibility of their travel being disrupted if there is an outbreak."
Air New Zealand (Air NZ) said it would operate up to 19 nonstop routes linking four New Zealand cities with nine destinations in Australia, an increase from three nonstop routes.
Air NZ CEO, Greg Foran, said he would be among those keen to make the trip to Australia.
"I will be digging out my passport for the first time since I joined the airline to head across the ditch to see my family. I am especially looking forward to meeting some of my grandchildren for the first time," Foran said.
Qantas and its LCC, Jetstar, said yesterday they would operate up to 122 flights a week between Australia and New Zealand on 15 routes, representing about 83% of the airline group's pre-COVID-19 capacity across the Tasman. This is an increase over 3% today.
“We know Australians are keen to head overseas again, so we expect strong demand for flights to New Zealand and there are many Kiwis who cannot wait for a winter escape to warmer weather in Australia," Qantas domestic and international CEO, Andrew David, said.
Virgin Australia (VA) has decided its New Zealand services will remain suspended until October 31 apart from a limited schedule to Queenstown from September.
"While the airline remains committed to trans-Tasman flying when the market fully recovers, we are mindful of evolving border requirements which add complexity to our business as we push ahead with plans to grow our core domestic Australia operations," VA said.
"New Zealand remains a key part of our short-haul international network. We look forward to re-entering the Trans-Tasman market later this year."
