Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce the date for the long-awaited travel bubble at 4 pm today.
However, it seems Air New Zealand has a specific date in mind. The airline has ramped up its flight schedule from Monday, 19 April, adding an extra 19 return flights between Auckland and Sydney.
Australian media is also reporting the commencement date of 19 April. According to The Australian, the travel bubble could begin as soon as next week, with sources revealing a commencement date of 12 or 19 April.
Airlines in both countries have increased their operations, rehiring and retraining cabin crew and airport staff.
Ardern says the government has been working with Australia on a framework and evaluating the risks of quarantine-free travel.
“We will have a number of precautions in place ready to go if in the event we need to alter people’s travel, but anyone who is looking to book to travel to Australia will just need to factor in plans if there is something that happens on either side of the ditch,” she said.
