WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – The election marked the opening on Monday of an expected travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand.
The start of trips without quarantine was a relief for families who have been separated by the coronavirus pandemic, as well as for struggling tour operators. It marked the first provisional steps towards what both countries hope will become a gradual reopening to the rest of the world.
In the capital, Wellington, Danny Mather was overwhelmed to see his pregnant daughter Kristy and grandchild for the first time in 15 months after flying from Sydney to pay a visit on the first flight after the bubble opened . What were they called?
“It’s nothing,” he said, laughing. They just hugged. “It’s so good to see her and I’m so happy to be back.”
Kristy Mather said it was overwhelming to be back with her family and it was amazing that the bubble had opened.
“I wish it had happened before, but it has happened now,” he said. “I just wanted to get on this first flight because you never know, it might go south. We hope it ends. ”
Danny Mather said he wanted to protect New Zealand from the virus, but also thought it was the right time to open the bubble.
The idea of a travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand had been talked about for months, but it suffered setbacks due to several small outbreaks of the virus in both countries, which were eventually wiped out.
On the occasion of the occasion, Wellington International Airport painted a huge welcome sign near the main runway and Air New Zealand ordered some 24,000 bottles of sparkling wine, offering a free glass to adult passengers. Maori indigenous artists welcomed the arriving passengers who embraced tears for their loved ones.
Carrie Hurihanganui, Air New Zealand’s chief operating officer, said the company previously had only two or three flights a day between the two countries, but jumped to 30 flights on Monday carrying 5,200 passengers.
He said the day marked a turning point and people were excited.
“You can hear it at the airport and see it in people’s faces,” he said.
Leaders from both countries welcomed the bubble, saying it was a world-class deal because it aimed to open borders and prevent the virus from spreading.
“Today’s goal is to win-win for Australians and New Zealanders, boosting our economies and keeping our people safe,” said first Australian Scott Morrison.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her country welcomed newcomers.
“The bubble marks a significant step in reconnecting both countries with the world and it is one that we should all take a moment to be very proud of,” he said.
Travelers who lined up at Sydney and Melbourne airports early Monday 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 prevent the virus by putting barriers in the outside world, including strict quarantine requirements for travelers returning from other countries where the virus is rampant.
“They did very well with the precautions and everything, better than everyone else. Everything else can’t go anywhere safely, ”said Ameera Elmasry, who was at Wellington Airport to greet her son Shady Osman, a doctor he hadn’t seen in 16 months. that has happened now “.
Australia had allowed New Zealanders to arrive earlier without being quarantined, but New Zealand had taken a more cautious approach and required Australian travelers to complete a quarantine.
The onset of the bubble is ahead of New Zealand’s ski season and is good news for many tourist towns, including Queenstown Ski Resort.