NT airports reveal huge cost of keeping interstate travellers out

THE Territory economy missed out on about $61.7 million of revenue last month due to restrictions on interstate visitors, according to NT Airports

Darwin International Airport looking deserted following a huge drop in arrivals due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE Territory economy missed out on about $61.7 million of revenue last month due to restrictions on interstate visitors, according to NT Airports.

In April there was a drop of 207,400 (94 per cent) of domestic arrivals – 54 per cent of which are historically interstate visitors – into the NT compared to last year.

NT Airports chief executive Tony Edmondstone said airports in Darwin and Alice Springs were prepared for the safe reopening of NT borders when the government advises it.

MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS

Chief Minister and chief health officer refuse to say when NT borders could reopen

Northern Territory effectively COVID-19 free as last active case recovers

Tourism boss eyes August 1 as date when NT borders could reopen

“We would welcome the reopening of borders on the basis that the appropriate health and safety measures are followed,” he said.

He is also open to the idea of NT becoming a part of a broader travel bubble.

It comes after Canberra Airport boss Stephen Byron floated the idea of a travel bubble with the ACT, NT, SA and QLD so residents could travel without the two-week quarantine period.

“We would welcome a direct connection with the NT – it would be a good COVID-safe first step for connecting NT with the eastern states,” he said.

SA Premier Steven Marshall said he was “absolutely” considering the idea.

The NT’s airport boss, who also likes the idea, said there were currently no direct flights between the NT and Canberra but this might help start some up. “NT Airports would welcome initiatives by airlines for direct flights between the two territories given our strong Defence presence and Federal Government agenda of investing in the north,” he said.

However, Chief Minister Michael Gunner has maintained the NT’s borders will not open any time soon.

Chamber of Commerce deputy chief executive Brian O’Gallagher said the NT should join a bubble.

“If we can do these travel bubbles safely I absolutely think we should go for it,” he said

“I think anything that could help our tourism industry should be pursued because they are suffering the most at the moment.”

NEW OFFER: Get amazing Sennheiser earbuds (RRP: $499) with NT News subscription deal

However, not all NT businesses want the borders to reopen.

Darwin’s Gardens Park Golf Links owner Roger Dee said the border should remain closed until later this year.

“I think we need to be cautious,” he said.

“We can’t risk getting a second wave.”