Australia and New Zealand introduce a quarantine-free travel bubble

On Monday, a two-way travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand was established, allowing passengers to travel freely between the two countries without the need for quarantine for the first time in over a year.

While Australia had already permitted New Zealand travelers to enter without quarantine, New Zealand has now implemented similar measures for Australian visitors.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed pride in the reopening, calling the bubble a crucial step in reconnecting both countries with the rest of the world, according to a statement from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's office.

Travelers will be required to meet specific health criteria: they must not have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 14 days, show flu-like symptoms, or have been in any country other than Australia or New Zealand during that period.

Morrison stated that the milestone benefits both Australians and New Zealanders, boosting their economies while ensuring the safety of their citizens.

Early Monday, Melbourne Airport's international departure terminal was packed with passengers, as long lines formed at the check-in counters.

"Today marks the first time in over a year that Australians can finally grab their passports and head abroad," said Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport's Chief of Aviation. The airport is expecting 19 trans-Tasman flights on Monday, offering about 4,000 seats, according to a press release.

Starting with 140 weekly flights between Melbourne and New Zealand, the number of services will increase to 180 by the end of May, reaching approximately 70% of pre-pandemic flight levels, the release noted.

Melbourne Airport now offers direct flights to four New Zealand cities: Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.

The much-anticipated 'trans-Tasman bubble' has had a bumpy journey. Initially proposed in October 2020, it evolved into a one-way arrangement after a surge in cases in Australia, allowing New Zealanders to travel to Australia with ease, but restricting Australian travelers from visiting New Zealand.

The bubble is expected to significantly contribute to economic recovery for both nations, particularly in the travel and tourism sectors, as noted by Morrison and Ardern.

Before the pandemic, the trans-Tasman route was Australia's largest international aviation market, with over 7 million passengers recorded in the year ending January 2020, according to a statement from Morrison’s office on April 6.

Melbourne Airport's Argus described the bubble as "a fantastic result."

"These flights alone will create 50 new jobs at the airport, not to mention the broader benefits for Melbourne and the state of Victoria," she added.