Covid NT: Australia’s international borders reopen

International arrivals have landed on Territory shores and been welcomed in true Top End style. SEE THE PICTURES

AT JUST before 2pm on Monday afternoon, 109 passengers disembarked flight QF10 from London to Darwin, marking the first international tourism flight landing in Darwin since Australia’s borders closed to non-citizens and non-residents almost two years ago.

Looking weary-eyed after disembarking the lengthy 16 hour and 25 minute flight, the arrivals were greeted with ‘Top End’ lemonade, ‘welcome’ cupcakes, and a special Welcome to Country by The Youth Mill, a local Indigenous performance group.

In heartwarming scenes, grandparents arrived to see newly born kids, grandkids arrived to visit aging grandparents, and families were reunited.

Passengers clear customs as the first Qantas international flight out of London arrives in Darwin. Picture: Glenn Campbell

One of these arrivals was Jan Smith, from Hampshire in England who, with a teddy bear in tow, was incredibly excited to meet her new granddaughter Lily.

“I haven’t met her yet … Very, very excited. I can’t wait. She’s a real character at one,” she said.

Jan has been trying to visit Australia for almost a year, and has relied on FaceTime and video calling to get to know Lily.

“She blows me kisses, which is so sweet. She’s never met me and she’s now blowing kisses,” she said.

Jan Smith clears customs as the first Qantas international flight out of London arrives in Darwin. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Another excited couple to arrive were Marshall and Denise Capel from Leeds, UK, who are stopping through Darwin on the way to visit their grandkids in Perth.

They will meet their one-year old granddaughter for the first time, and have been waiting for the chance to come over and see her for over a year.

Having visited Australia four or five times before, Marshall says this time has been different due to the pandemic.

“We’ve had a real traumatic trip here [due to Covid in England],” he said,

“It has not been our usual easy [trip].”.

But for Marshall, a charismatic former baker who has lived in the same postal code in Leeds for 75 years, the excellent service on the flight made it easier.

Marshall and Denise Capel clear customs as the first Qantas international flight out of London arrives in Darwin. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Finding an air steward among the crowd, he makes sure she knows how thankful he is.

“Now this young lady looks after customers so well,” he said.

“If you ask for an extra boiled egg, you get an extra boiled egg”.

Marshall is very happy to be here.

NT’s borders reopen to the world

THE Territory will welcome its first international tourists for almost two years when the nation opens its borders to vaccinated overseas visitors on Monday.

Tourism Australia Ambassador Matt Wright will roll out the welcome mat to greet the newest arrivals when the first Qantas flight from London lands in Darwin at 11.15am.

At just 44 per cent, the Northern Territory’s booster rate is the lowest in the country and more than 10 per cent below that in Victoria and WA.

Although unclear how many overseas visitors will arrive, Tourism Minister Natasha Fyles said reopening international borders would be an economic win for the Territory.

“Our management of Covid-19 and high vaccination rates over the past two years has put us in a strong position to welcome international visitors,” she said.

“This will be an economic shot in the arm for tourism businesses who have been doing it incredibly tough over the past two years.

“We will continue to support the tourism industry and business with a suite of support and marketing measures positioning the Northern Territory as the perfect place to visit and explore.”

Qantas has committed to continue to use Darwin International Airport as a hub for flights to London until June and establish an E190 aircraft base at Darwin International Airport.

Meanwhile, Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud reminded international travellers to not pack food, meat, fruit and other biosecurity risk items when travelling here.

He said more than 21,000 biosecurity infringement notices had been issued at airports around Australia since 2016.

“Australia warmly welcomes all our international visitors and students back,” Mr Littleproud said.

“But it’s vital to follow biosecurity rules for a smooth trip and protect Australia from deadly pests or diseases that can impact on our environment, industries and way of life.

“As borders open and flights increase, we’re increasing our staff presence and detector dogs at airports.

“Already this year there were 62 infringement notices issued in January for failure to declare biosecurity risk material.

“I remind all international visitors to find out what they can bring into Australia and to keep in mind our strict biosecurity requirements.”