Australia-New Zealand journey bubble opens up, offering reduction to tourism business, households separated by pandemic

Both countries have managed to keep the virus out by building barriers to the outside world, including strict quarantine requirements for travelers returning from other countries where the virus is widespread.

Wellington: As the passengers walked through the airport gates a little dazed, they were hugged one by one by family members who hurried forward and dissolved in tears.

Mood and relief marked the opening of a long-awaited travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand at Wellington Airport on April 19. Children held balloons and banners, and indigenous Maori performers greeted the newcomers with songs at home.

The start of quarantine-free travel has been a long time coming for families separated by the United States Coronavirus Pandemic and tour operators to fight. It was the first tentative step towards a gradual reopening to the rest of the world that both countries are hoping for.

Danny Mather was overwhelmed to see his pregnant daughter Kristy and grandson for the first time in 15 months after arriving from Sydney on a visit on the first flight after the bladder was opened. What did they say to each other?

“Nothing,” he said with a laugh. They just hugged. “It’s just so good to see her and I’m just so happy to have her back.”

Kristy Mather said it was overwhelming to be reunited with her family and it was amazing that the bubble opened. “I wish it had happened earlier, but it has happened now,” she said. “I just wanted to get on that first flight because you never know it might be going south. Let’s hope it stays that way. “

Danny Mather said he wanted to protect New Zealand from the virus but also thought it was time to open the bladder.

The idea of ​​a travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand has been debated for months, but setbacks have occurred due to several small virus outbreaks in both countries that were eventually eradicated.

To mark the occasion, Wellington Airport painted a huge welcome sign near its main runway, and Air New Zealand ordered around 24,000 bottles of sparkling wine, which offered adult passengers a complimentary glass.

Carrie Hurihanganui, Air New Zealand’s chief operating officer, said the airline had previously only operated two or three flights a day between the two countries, but on Monday there were 30 flights carrying 5,200 passengers.

She said the day was a turning point and people were excited. “You can feel it at the airport and see it on people’s faces,” she said.

The leaders of both countries welcomed the bubble, saying it was a world-leading agreement as it aimed to open borders and prevent the virus from spreading.

“Today’s milestone is a win-win for Australians and New Zealanders, one that will boost our economies while keeping our people safe,” said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her country welcomes the newcomers.

“The bubble is a major step in reconnecting both countries with the world and we should all take a moment to be very proud of it,” she said.

Travelers who queued at Sydney and Melbourne airports early April 19 said they were excited or relieved to finally fly to New Zealand after more than a year. Some visited family and friends while others attended funerals.

Both countries have managed to keep the virus out by building barriers to the outside world, including strict quarantine requirements for travelers returning from other countries where the virus is widespread.

“You took the precautions and everything very well, better than the whole world. Anywhere else you can’t go anywhere for sure, ”said Ameera Elmasry, who was at Wellington Airport to greet her son Shady Osman, a doctor she hadn’t seen in 16 months. “It’s very good what happened now.”

Australia had previously allowed New Zealanders to arrive without quarantine, but New Zealand had been more cautious and required travelers from Australia to quarantine.

The start of the bubble comes before New Zealand’s ski season and is welcome news for many tourist towns, including the Queenstown ski area.