Confusion, frustration as travellers return to Sydney

DEVASTATED travellers who were forced into quarantine at Howard Springs on Sunday had to farewell loved ones as they got back on a plane to Sydney after just 24 hours

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DEVASTATED travellers who were forced into quarantine at Howard Springs after travelling to Darwin for Christmas have had to farewell loved ones as they got back on a plane to Sydney after just 24 hours.

Darwin-bound Jetstar passengers found out as they landed on the tarmac from Sydney on Sunday afternoon that they would either have to spend 14 days in Howard Springs over Christmas or return to NSW.

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Health Minister Natasha Fyles announced yesterday that the government would fork out for people to fly back, but the NT News understands travellers were initially told they would have to cover the cost themselves, as airlines hiked up prices due to increased demand.

According to the NT Government, 64 people travelled from Howard Springs to get on a Jetstar flight back to Sydney yesterday afternoon.

Those who managed to get a flight back to Sydney arrive at Darwin International Airport , Robert and Bridget Griffin with kids Eliot and Oliver say goodbye to there family. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

One of the passengers who arrived on the flight from Sydney on Sunday afternoon with his family, who didn’t want to be named, said they were essentially forced to go to Howard Springs, as they were not permitted to stay at the airport to organise alternative flights.

He said they received no support to re-book flights from either Jetstar or the NT Government on Sunday and were initially told they would have to pay for their own flights.

“We were told we had to organise our own flights. We were told we could not stay at the airport to do so.

Those who managed to get a flight back to Sydney arrive at Darwin International Airport , Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

“And we were given no contact details for further information.”

He said he paid $2500 for his family to fly back to Sydney but it is understood airlines had been listing flights with prices hiked up to as much as $1300 each on Sunday as people frantically tried to get on a flight home.

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Ms Fyles said the government would “work with” travellers to either organise their flights or reimburse those who had already booked.

As of 4pm yesterday, one-way flights from Darwin to Sydney today were priced between $800-$1500.

A Virgin group spokesman said they were making changes to their flight schedule to help impacted customers.

Qantas group did not respond to the NT News’ request for comment.

Follow @MsSarahMatthews