Why the trans-Tasman bubble with New Zealand could block Kiwis’ plans heading home

Why the trans-Tasman bubble with New Zealand could mean thousands more citizens are BLOCKED from coming home

  • Travel bubble with Australia could have consequences for Kiwis returning home
  • Australians able to board quarantine-free ‘green’ flights across the Tasman
  • ‘Red flights’ from Australia carrying passengers who must quarantine will end
  • The situation could make it near impossible for Kiwis to transit through Australia 


A new trans-Tasman travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand could have devastating ‘unintended’ consequences for Kiwis trying to return home.

New Zealand will welcome back Australians back for the first time in 13 months when the long awaited travel bubble between the two countries takes off in the coming days following the coronavirus pandemic. 

From Monday, travellers in Australia can board quarantine-free ‘green’ flights across the Tasman if they have been in Australia for the last 14 days prior.

But ‘red flights’ from Australia carrying passengers who must enter quarantine when they arrive in New Zealand will end, leaving no options for returning Kiwis transiting in Australia from further abroad – which is a very common way for them to get home.

A two-way travel bubble takes off between Australia and New Zealand on April 19. Pictured is a traveller arriving in Sydney from an Auckland flight

‘Red flights’ currently carry passengers from countries outside of a quarantine-free travel arrangement, or from within a quarantine-free area with passengers that do not meet the eligibility criteria and must enter mandatory quarantine when they arrive in New Zealand.

‘It will not be possible to book a red flight from Australia to New Zealand from April 19 Every flight from Australia to New Zealand from that time will be green flights,’ the New Zealand government website states.

‘When quarantine-free travel to New Zealand begins, people in Australia who meet the eligibility criteria can fly quarantine-free to New Zealand.

‘If you’re outside Australia, you can fly quarantine-free to New Zealand once you have met Australia’s managed isolation and quarantine requirements. You will also need to meet immigration rules and eligibility criteria.’

Current 'red flights' between Australia and New Zealand when the travel bubble opens. Pictured are travellers at Auckland Airport

 Current ‘red flights’ between Australia and New Zealand when the travel bubble opens. Pictured are travellers at Auckland Airport

Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Jetstar have all announced they will only be operating quarantine-free flights between Australia and New Zealand from April 19. 

Qantas and Jetstar will initially operate up to 122 return flights per week across the Tasman on 15 routes, offering more than 52,000 seats each week 

Air New Zealand currently operates five return red flights from New Zealand to Australia each week.

Travellers are kept separate from green-flight passengers en route to Australia, and were required to enter into quarantine upon on arrival in New Zealand 

IMMagine immigration adviser Iain MacLeod believes consequence  as ‘unintended’ by officials

He’s in contact with  at least six South African families due to arrive in New Zealand after the travel bubble started who now have to book new flights.

‘Who would have thought New Zealanders are going to be prevented from coming home?,’ Mr MacLeod told Stuff.

‘We are trying to make travel easier, but we are just making it harder.’ 

Air New Zealand will only be quarantine-free 'green' flights across the Tasman

Air New Zealand will only be quarantine-free ‘green’ flights across the Tasman

Both countries confirmed they’re working to resolve the issue.

‘The Australian Border Force is working with New Zealand and our industry partners on the implementation of two-way quarantine free travel, including transit arrangements.’ Australia’s Department Home Affairs said in a statement:

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade added: ‘We know that reduced transit options are likely to cause challenges for Kiwis in some destinations.

‘Officials are in discussions with Australia to find a possible solution. However, it is a commercial decision for each airline as to which types of flights they operate.’

More flights will be flying across the Tasman for the first time in 13 months. Pictured is an international arrivals board at Brisbane Airport

More flights will be flying across the Tasman for the first time in 13 months. Pictured is an international arrivals board at Brisbane Airport