Australians stuck in Japan airport without food or water after Jetstar delayed flight to Gold Coast

Dozens of Australians were stuck without food or water in a Japanese airport after a Jetstar flight to the Gold Coast was delayed.

Dozens of Australian travellers have reportedly been trapped in a Japanese airport with no food or water after a Jetstar flight was delayed.

One of the stranded travellers, Gordon Knight, said because of the country’s strict Covid rules, the group could not leave the airport to seek outside accommodation while awaiting a new flight.

“About 25 Australians are trapped in Narita Airport due to cancelled Jetstar flight JQ0012,” he tweeted.

“Due to Covid restrictions we’re not allowed to leave the airport or enter hotels. We have no food, water or bedding. We’d appreciate assistance.”

Want to stream your news? Flash lets you stream 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

Dozens of Australians are stuck without food or water in a Japanese airport after a Jetstar flight to the Gold Coast was delayed.

The flight had been scheduled to leave Narita International Airport in Tokyo at 9pm local time on Sunday, to arrive on Queensland’s Gold Coast early Monday.

Mr Knight tweeted again after 12 hours of waiting, claiming the stranded Aussies had still not been offered food or water, or been allowed to leave the airport.

He tweeted at the Australian Embassy Japan’s account too, asking to discuss the passengers’ “denial of food, water and basics by an Australian/Japanese company”.

Covid rules in Japan require all incoming travellers to be vaccinated and quarantine for three days before they can enter the community.

The country currently has a partial ban on tourism, meaning unless people have clearance to settle there or have booked a guided package tour, they cannot leave the airport when passing through.

Chillin’ at Narita Airport. pic.twitter.com/3spXBNxLKx

— Gordon Knight (@GordonlKnight) August 28, 2022

Mr Knight on Monday morning was still at the airport and appeared to still not have had any luck sourcing supplies.

He shared an image of the group of Australians standing in the airport with their carry-on luggage while they were all stuck in the transit area.

It’s understood the transit area has no outlets that supply food or beverages.

Jetstar told news.com.au travellers were offered accomodation and food vouchers and confirmed those transiting through were unable to leave the airport.

“We sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused,” a spokesperson said.

“Yesterday, a flight from Tokyo to Gold Coast was delayed 24 hours due to the late arrival of the aircraft operating into Narita as a result of an engineering issue identified prior to its departure from Australia.

“All customers were offered accommodation and meal vouchers and for customers who no longer wished to fly, the option of a full refund was also available.

“Unfortunately, some customers who were transiting through Japan from other countries, were not able to leave the airport due to Japan’s Covid requirements to enter the country, including providing a negative PCR test.

“We are working with Narita Airport to determine how we can better accommodate transiting passengers during disruptions like this one.”

Mr Knight confirmed travellers were offered reimbursement on their food and accomodation by Jetstar, but weren’t actually able to source either.

“They [Jetstar] just sent us a message telling us to buy food and accommodation and keep the receipts,” he told news.com.au.

“But all the shops were closed and all the hotels off limits. We still don’t have vouchers.”