WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – The excitement marked the opening of a long-awaited travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand on Monday.
The start of a quarantine-free trip was a relief for families separated by the coronavirus pandemic, as well as for struggling tourist operators. These were the first, preliminary steps towards what both countries hope to become a gradual reopening for the rest of the world.
In the capital, Wellington, Danny Mather was overpowered to see his pregnant daughter Kristy and his grandchild for the first time in 15 months after flying from Sydney for the first flight to Sydney after the bubble opened. What did they say to each other?
“Not a thing,” he said laughing. They just pushed. “It’s just so good to see her and I’m just so glad she’s back.”
Kristy Mather said it was overwhelming to be reunited with her family, and it’s amazing that the bubble opened.
“I wish it had happened earlier, but it has happened now,” she said. “I just wanted to get on the first flight because you never know it’s 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 bubble.
There has been talk for months about the idea of a travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand, but there have been setbacks due to several small virus outbreaks in both countries, which were eventually eliminated.
To celebrate the occasion, Wellington International Airport painted a huge welcome sign near its main runway, and Air New Zealand ordered about 24,000 bottles of sparkling wine and offered a free glass to adult passengers. Indigenous Maori artists welcomed oncoming passengers embracing loved ones in tears.
Carrie Hurihanganui, chief operating officer of Air New Zealand, said the airline had previously flown only two or three flights a day between the two countries, but it jumped to 30 flights on Monday with 5,200 passengers.
She said the day was a turning point and that 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 arrangement because it aimed to open borders and prevent the virus from spreading.
“Today’s milestone is a win-win for Australians and New Zealanders, giving our economies a boost while keeping our people safe,” said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, said her country welcomed new arrivals.
“The bubble is an important step in reconnecting both countries with the world and it is one that we should all be very proud of,” she said.
Travelers queuing 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 eliminate the virus by placing barriers to the outside world, including strict quarantine requirements for travelers returning from other countries where the virus is booming.
“They did very well with the precautions and everything, better than the whole world. “Everywhere else can go safely,” said Ameera Elmasry, who was at Wellington Airport to greet her son Shady Osman, a doctor she had not seen in 16 months. “It’s very good what’s happened now.”
Australia had previously allowed New Zealanders to arrive without quarantine, but New Zealand took a more cautious approach, requiring travelers from Australia to complete a quarantine.
The start of the bubble comes before the ski season in New Zealand and is welcome news for many tourist towns, including the Queenstown ski resort.