After a positive test for COVID-19 among one of the flight attendants of an American Airlines flight between Sydney and Los Angeles, the operation was postponed. American’s flight 72 would depart Sydney at 09:00 local time this Friday. It left almost 25 hours later.
What happened?
The health officials of New South Wales have issued a statement saying:
” An American Airlines flight that was to leave Sydney this morning has been postponed due to a possible COVID-19 case in a flight crew member. The crew member was tested as part of the routine supervision. ”
As reported by USA Today and The Daily Telegraph, Australian health officials are awaiting the blood results to determine the origin of this infection. While the air hostess tested COVID-19 positively, the authorities in New South Wales are trying to determine if it is still contagious. According to local authorities, there is no risk of contamination among the general public.
A spokesman for American Airlines on Saturday operated another flight crew flying between Sydney and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the remaining crew of the original flight are in quarantine, according to the COVID regulations of Australia.
Change of aircraft
After the incident, American Airlines decided to change not only crew, but also the plane. Friday’s flight would take place on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner registration N872AN. The decision to swap planes was to provide extra cleaning measures in the aircraft that initially brought the infected flight attendant.
For American Airlines, it has become a weekly event for flight attendants to test positive for COVID-19.
“It’s not a surprise. Our flight personnel come from countries where COVID is transferred quite a lot, ” said one official.
Australia’s cautious approach to the pandemic
Over the past year, Australia has gained momentum as one of the countries that has managed to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. It did so by heavily controlling the international traffic entering the country. For example, there is an international travel ban in the country until June. Every three months the government renews the ban.
Nevertheless, the Australian government has relaxed its laws over the past few days to allow a travel bubble with New Zealand. The Biosecurity Act 2015 now allows Australian citizens who have been in the country for at least two weeks to travel to New Zealand without having to ask permission. In addition, these travelers will be quarantine-free from 19 April.
On top of that, Singapore is currently creating its own travel bubble with Australia.
Who can travel from Australia to Australia?
Due to these restrictions, not many people on board American Airlines flights can travel to Australia.
The health authorities in Australia state that the only people who can currently travel to the country:
- Australian citizens
- Residents
- Immediate family members
- Travelers who have been in New Zealand for the past 14 days.
In addition, all people traveling to Australia must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR result during the check-in date. The test must be taken 72 hours or less before departure. Travelers should wear a mask while on the flight and while at the airport.
What do you think of this close call on American Airlines flights? Let us know in the comments.