Welcome back our Aussie friends!
A quarantine-free trans-Tasman travel bubble with Australia has started. On Monday, April 19, excited and emotional passengers took advantage of the first flights out of Australia. There was emotional scenes at Wellington, Sydney and Auckland airports as families separated by the pandemic were finally able to unite.
Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern said in a statement: ”It is a very big day and exciting for families and friends, the bubble marks a significant step in New Zealand´s reconnection with the world.”
The bubble permits people to travel freely between New Zealand and Australia without having to quarantine because there is a low risk of the virus spreading in both countries. Indeed, New Zealand travellers have been able to enter Australia without having to quarantine up until now. However, this has only been one-way.
Prices have dropped on flights in an effort to get holiday-seeking Australians to visit New Zealand again. The bubble will give New Zealand a billion-dollar economy boost by helping to revive businesses and tourism. Before Covid-19, Australia was New Zealand´s biggest overseas market.
The cases in both countries have been relatively low throughout the pandemic. With Australia recording over 29,500 cases and 910 deaths to date. While New Zealand recorded just over 2,200 cases and 26 deaths.
It is important to keep in mind that if local outbreaks occur, flights could be suspended on short notice. Though, Kiwi´s will benefit from an influx of travel bookings and being able to reconnect with family and friends once again.