Emotions high as international travellers reach Queensland for Christmas in home quarantine

There have been more heartwarming scenes with international arrivals at Brisbane Airport, but for some passengers it was a confusing mess.

Some travellers came out the gates of Brisbane International Airport today and straight into the arms of loved ones, while others were left scratching their heads over navigating an evidently new system.

Passengers on flights SQ255 from Singapore and NZ841 from Auckland were among the first international arrivals allowed to home-quarantine in Queensland after the rules changed yesterday.

As travellers emerged from the arrival doors, they were met by police who directed them to either turn left for hotel quarantine processing, or right to find their approved mode of travel to home quarantine.

Outside the gates, another official appeared to be questioning travellers on how they were getting home.

A man arrives at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from Singapore and waits in the home quarantine area to be picked up by family. Picture: Adam Head

Fully vaccinated international arrivals can now home quarantine for 14 days if they provide negative PCR tests, have a suitable private residence and find approved low-risk transport home.

The system seemed like smooth sailing for the most part with the anticipation of Queenslanders quickly turning to elation as they swept their loved ones into a long-awaited cuddle and took them home to quarantine together over Christmas.

Passengers arrive at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from Singapore. Picture: Adam Head

But it appeared there were also a few hiccups.

“No one has told me anything,” one woman told airport staff at the home quarantine waiting area before she was directed to hotel quarantine processing.

“Where do we go?” asked another about 10 minutes later.

People waiting in a hotel quarantine line after arriving at Brisbane International Airport on flights from Singapore and New Zealand. Picture: Adam Head

Another couple was escorted over to the hotel quarantine area after waiting in the home quarantine spot for about 30 minutes.

Hung Dau and Oanh Pham who arrived from Vietnam via Singapore video-called their daughter Bella Dau so she could explain to an official at the airport how her parents were getting to their private quarantine residence.

People can now home quarantine after returning from overseas, passengers arrive at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from Singapore. Picture: Adam Head

Ms Dau, from Inala, said her parents spoke little English so organising their private transport, accommodation, phones, declarations and tests prior to their travel was crucial.
“I wasn’t allowed to come and pick them up because I would have to quarantine with them,” Ms Dau said.

“But I’m so excited to see them and celebrate Christmas together once they’re out.

“It’s been years.”

Hung Dau and Oanh Pham try to navigate Brisbane International Airport to find their approved transport to home quarantine. Picture: Adam Head

A suitable private residence must have no shared common access areas, be within two hours of the airport and cannot be a hotel room or caravan.

Permitted transport includes a private vehicle dropped at the airport or driven by a person who will also quarantine, a contactless hire car, or a prearranged endorsed transport provider.

Hung Dau and Oanh Pham arrive at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from Singapore. Picture: Adam Head

Ms Dau said the best advice she could give other international travellers was to have a charged phone on them at all times so they can contact family if they face any uncertainty on their journey.

Gold Coast father Scottie Phillips didn’t have to wait as long for his heartfelt reunion, sweeping up his young children as they ran for him outside the arrival doors.

Torvi Phillips runs to his dad Scottie at Brisbane International Airport. Picture: Adam Head

Scottie Phillips is reunited with son Torvi, 4. Picture: Adam Head

Mr Phillips, who had tears in his eyes, hadn’t seen his wife and three children in six months, since his youngest Arni was just two months old.

They travelled to New Zealand’s North Island to visit grandparents and within a week, the border bubble burst.

Dad Scottie Phillips is reunited with Torvi, Opi, and Arni, and wife Hannah Butcher. Picture: Adam Head

“It’s been pretty crazy, a bit lonely,” Mr Phillips said.

“It’s so nice to see them.”

Mr Phillips drove his family to their Scenic Rim home where he would work for the next two weeks, catch up on cuddles and celebrate a magic Christmas.