First stage of Australia-New Zealand travel bubble is expected to open as early as October 16. Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Michael McCormack said a deal for a limited travel bubble that would allow people from New Zealand to travel to New South Wales and the Northern Territory had been finalised from the same date.
Mr McCormack also said the Government was hopeful travel arrangements would be expanded, saying states and territories that agreed to the Commonwealth’s hotspot definition would be able to participate.
Meanwhile, New Zealand is yet to announce a decision on allowing Australians into New Zealand. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has also warned New Zealanders planning to visit Australia under the travel-bubble arrangements ‘may have to quarantine upon return’.
As per reports, Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert welcomed the decision of a trans-Tasman bubble.
New Zealand was Sydney Airport’s second busiest passenger route before Covid-19 closures. The decision to lift border restrictions between the two countries is a sign that the travel industry, which has been severely affected due to Covid-19, will slowly start its recovery process.
