Airports eager to welcome back international passengers

Australia’s airports look forward to working with government to ensure the reopening framework announced today, 7 February 2022, is carried out as smoothly and safely as possible.

Australian Airports Association (AAA) Chief Executive James Goodwin said airports will be ready to welcome back international tourists as soon as the border reopens on 21 February 2022.

“This is the exciting announcement the aviation sector has been waiting for,” commented Goodwin.

“Airports will be critical to ensuring the logistics associated with resuming international travel will be successfully managed and look forward to working with the government agencies involved.”

“International travel is only at 15 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels so this is a positive step to help the recovery of the aviation and tourism sectors.”

Goodwin added that the return of international travellers will also be a much-needed boost for domestic routes.

“In pre-COVID-19 times 30 per cent of domestic air travellers were international passengers,” he said.

“International tourists don’t just visit one Australian city. They fly from state to state to see all of what our nation has to offer so it is vital all domestic borders reopen and stay open.”

Travellers are being reminded to do their homework before they fly to ensure they have all the information they need before they get to the airport.

“Travel has changed since the pandemic hit two years ago with many people not flying for some time,” commented Goodwin.

“We encourage travellers to do their research to ensure a safe, enjoyable trip for all.”