Qantas cancels most international flights until March 2021

Australian airline Qantas Airways announced it had cancelled most international flights until March 2021, after the Australian government indicated it could extend border closures until 2021 to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 acute respiratory infection.

In a statement, the Australian national airline said it would maintain some scheduled flights to New Zealand in the coming months, as travel between Australia and New Zealand is expected to increase significantly. As travel between Australia and other countries resumes and demand increases, the airline may add flights to its schedule.

Earlier, Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the country was unlikely to reopen its borders to international visitors until next year, but would consider easing entry rules for international students and long-term visitors.

Australia is currently in talks with New Zealand about establishing quarantine-free travel between the two countries as Covid-19 cases have declined. New Zealand has said September 2020 could be a good time to resume regular flights between the two countries. Currently, all Qantas flights to New Zealand have been restricted until October 2020.

Australia has been one of the countries that has responded quickly and decisively to the pandemic. Since 14 July, all non-essential travel has been restricted and all people entering Australia are required to quarantine for 14 days.

Rosemary