Measures taken to stop spread of Covid-19 through Ballina airport

Airlines are not responsible for determining if a passenger is an essential traveller, but they have taken measures to keep passengers safe.

Airlines and airports have implemented measures to keep passengers safe. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

The current Covid-19 outbreak has forced lockdowns and restrictions across the country, but was it enough to protect residents on the Northern Rivers?

Declarations were required when leaving NSW to enter other states, but what about flights to the North Coast from Sydney?

A Qantas spokesperson said there were a number of things in place to ensure passenger safety while travelling, but monitoring eligibility to fly was the responsibility of those issuing the Public Health Orders, NSW Health.

Under current restrictions only people with a valid reason can travel from Sydney during the lockdown, such as being an essential worker.

Airlines were not responsible for determining whether a passenger meets the criteria, but police warned they will be enforcing the health order.

Tweed-Byron Police Acting Inspector Christopher Neaves said their officers, along with highway patrol, were conducting high visibility patrols of the region, particularly holiday parks, accommodation and tourists areas to ensure people were complying with public health orders.

The Qantas spokesperson said passengers were contacted by the airline via texts prior to their departure, urging them to check current health orders that may impact them being allowed to fly to their destination.

“Customers impacted by flight cancellations will be contacted directly to discuss alternative options,” the spokesperson said.

“Qantas is offering increased flexibility for passengers who have bookings impacted by border restrictions, including the option to change travel dates or receive a flight credit.”

But it seems most people are adhering to the lockdown rules, with some flights between Sydney and Ballina already cancelled as a result of reduced passenger numbers.

Flights continued though to provide transport to essential travellers.

Airlines and airports have measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The spokesperson said Qantas has had its Fly Well health program in place for about a year, implementing mandatory face masks, sanitising, social distancing and hospital grade HEPA filters to keep people safe.

Ballina Shire Council also urged passengers using Ballina Byron Gateway Airport to keep up-to-date with restrictions, and said it continued to follow all Federal and State Government public health orders.

REX Airlines said the frequency of its services has been reduced to meet lower passenger demand, but moved to reassure passengers it was supporting essential travel.

“Although the frequency of services has been reduced to meet lower passenger demand, Rex

continues to fly between Sydney – Melbourne, Sydney – Gold Coast, Sydney – Canberra and

importantly between Sydney and all NSW regional cities serviced by Rex to ensure that essential travel can be undertaken for eligible travellers,” an airline statement read.

Last week Lismore MP Janelle Saffin conceded it was partly an honesty system, and urged the community to play their part in stopping the spread of Covid-19.

“It’s always an area of concern,” Ms Saffin said.

“We should be really cautious and careful. We should follow the health directives for our community to stay safe.”