Trans-Tasman bubble: Emotional scenes as first flight touches down in Auckland

Monday, 19 April 2021

Emotional scenes at Auckland Airport as first trans-Tasman bubble flight arrives (published on May 28 2021).

The first passenger flight into New Zealand after the commencement of the trans-Tasman bubble has arrived, after being delayed by more than an hour.

Fifteen flights will land from Australia in Auckland on Monday, with around 400 flights landing by the end of the week.

The first flight arrived in Auckland from Sydney just before 12.30pm. It was originally expected to land at 11.20am.

A traveller embraces a woman after getting off the flight from Sydney.

There were emotional scenes as the first passengers from the Jetstar flight walked through the doors into the arrivals hall, where a large crowd had gathered.

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There were emotional scenes as the first flight from Australia landed at Auckland Airport after the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble.

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A child patiently waiting as travellers finally start making their way through Auckland international airport.

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One of two Covid-related forms passengers from New Zealand need to fill out before arriving in New South Wales.

Applause could be heard as those on the flight walked into the airport.

The first people who walked through were in tears – crying and hugging, as they reunited with family members.

Passengers in Sydney checking in for flights to New Zealand.

Miriana Rawiri, who arrived on the flight, hugged her son and grandson for the first time in two years.

“I have never felt better,” she said.

Another traveller, Mele Ahio, and her child were reunited with her sister Rose Ahio for the first time in over a year. They were off to get some “kai”.

Lisa Tatai was reunited with her son for the first time in two years.

She said it had been hard reuniting with her family due to managed isolation costs, with this bubble she is expecting to bring her four children, who are in Australia, to New Zealand.

Marleen Green said it had been an “overwhelming” time, she had returned to New Zealand to see her grandson for the first time since his birth.

A Jetstar spokeswoman said the flight had been delayed because during check-in a number of passengers didn’t present the required travel documentation by the New Zealand Government.

“Our staff helped them through that,” the spokeswoman said.

“We did include information and links regarding the required documentation on our website, post booking emails and text messages.”

This hold-up was not expected to happen again, Jetstar manager of flying operations Tony Macdonald said.

The day had been a “tearjerker”, he said, and the airline was excited to help families reunite.

The Jetstar flight was full, with 175 passengers on board.

A choir performance has been arranged at Auckland Airport to greet the first arrivals from the Australian flight.

Qantas had an A330 from Sydney land at Auckland 41 minutes after the trans-Tasman bubble officially opened.

However, it was not listed as a passenger flight on Auckland International Airport’s arrivals board.

Prime ministers Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern said in a joint statement quarantine-free trans-Tasman travel was a world-leading arrangement that opened up travel while aiming to keep Covid-19 out of the community.

“The bubble marks a significant step in both countries' reconnection with the world, and it’s one we should all take a moment to be very proud of,” Ardern said.

The risks of quarantine-free travel would be under constant review, the statement said.

“Travellers will need to be prepared for possible disruption to travel arrangements at short notice and to follow specific protocols before, during and after their travel.”

The second quarantine-free flight from Australia landed at Wellington Airport from Sydney at 1pm, and the next flight arriving in Auckland was a Qantas flight from Melbourne at 1.30pm.