Qantas international flights resume July 2021?

[Robbie J]

Qantas has advised that they hope to resume international flights in July of 2021, but at present they are offering no international journeys.

They also state that a firm decision will not be made until then (July '21), at which point their no-flights policy may be extended even further.

At some point after all the COVID changes and lockdowns, I think we'll all be needing a vacation. (Tahiti is nice.)

What are your feelings on Qantas resuming its international flights? Does July '21 sound about right to you?

[Dave Dale]

Very selfishly, I’d be happy for tomorrow... ��

[Steve S... 2]

Just my view - Covid is not forever. The first thing I'll be doing is 'travelling' along with everyone else I know.

So once it is safe to travel, what are the chances of a massive influx of passengers and a major shortage of aircraft (scrapped, returned etc).

Maybe that will pave the way for new start up carriers.

Don't shoot me down - I'm just looking long term into a world that loves to travel.

[Kent Broadhead]

I would have expected NZ to start up before July next year - or is that not considered international?

[Robert.M]

Qantas already had a flight flying Kiwis from NZ to Australia, which I'd say is still happening. As the flights from NZ to Sydney (not too sure if there is any NZ direct to Darwin) are flown by Air NZ, Qantas and Jetstar.

Beyond the bubble, I don't think there will be a return to International travel until late 2021 or early 2022. Not with the high levels of infection still happening in Asia, Europe, South America and the US.

[Greg Hyde]

July 2021 is based on how long it is expected to have a COVID vaccine tested and disseminated to the population and the borders can be reopened.

There maybe a requirement that all international inbound visitors be vaccinated (x) number of weeks before their inbound flight.

No vaccine no flight.

If a vaccine is found, tested and disseminated earlier then I expect the borders to be opened earlier.

Likewise, if no vaccine is found then all bets are off

[Radi K]

Originally Posted by Greg Hyde

No vaccine no flight.

The fastest vaccine developed to date has been for mumps, and that took four years.

The current influenza vaccine has been 45% effective overall against 2019-2020 seasonal influenza A and B viruses.

Good luck with that.

[Daniel M]

Originally Posted by Radi K

The fastest vaccine developed to date has been for mumps, and that took four years.

The current influenza vaccine has been 45% effective overall against 2019-2020 seasonal influenza A and B viruses.

Good luck with that.

Agreed with your pessimism. There's no way the vaccine will be the defining factor.

My personal opinion is accurate, rapid testing will be the savior. We've seen already within a few weeks of the virus that testing was able to scaled quickly with accurate results. My thoughts are that a rapid test, with 99.9% accurate results will become available at some point in the future that can be scaled on massive levels, and you will require one on check in at the airport.

[David C]

Rapid COVID tests are now taking place at both DXB and FCO airports . I’m not certain of their accuracy levels , but no doubt the authorities at these locations would paint a positive picture .

Dave C

[Daniel M]

Interesting, thanks Dave. I believe the new Covid normal will include rapid testing at any event where large crowds gather. Cruise ships, concerts, conventions etc.

I just don't see how it's feasible to rely on a vaccine that will be rushed to market like nothing has in history before, with a high level of effectiveness, and making it compulsory.