The Relief :
Wait from October is going to end - the earlier “one-way bubble” will become a two way "Travel Bubble" !
New Zealand and Australia have agreed for the “travel bubble” between the two countries.
The bubble, which is set to be effective on the night of 18th April, allows travellers from either side to visit without enduring a 14-day Covid-19 quarantine period.
Since October, New Zealand residents could already travel to Australia in a “one-way bubble”.
New Zealand Prime minister Jacinda Ardern !
Kiwi prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Tuesday afternoon that quarantine requirements would now be scrapped for travellers going the other direction.
“This is an exciting day – the trans-Tasman bubble represents the start of a new chapter in our COVID response and recovery,” she said.
“I know families, friends and significant parts of our economy will welcome it, as I know I certainly do.”
Qantas is excited !
Qantas had only been operating 3% of pre-COVID capacity between Australia and New Zealand since the pandemic struck. That will be ramped up to 83% as soon as the bubble starts.
Qantas International chief Andrew David said travellers on both sides of the Tasman were chomping at the bit.
“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 can’t wait for a winter escape to warmer weather in Australia.”
For the first 3 days of the bubble, all seats will be available for Qantas frequent flyers to book as Classic Flight redemptions.
In normal times, international tourists outside the two countries account for 20% of the demand for trans-Tasman flights.
The airline and its budget brand Jetstar will start the bubble with 122 return flights each week servicing 15 routes across the Tasman Sea.
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