Families overjoyed to arrive safely in the Territory for Christmas

VISITORS and residents returning to the NT ahead of Christmas are glad to be far away from Howard Springs

VISITORS and residents returning to the Territory ahead of Christmas are glad to have their feet firmly on the ground, outside of Howard Springs.

Despite the unfolding situation in NSW that currently has 90 cases from the Avalon cluster, April and Stuart Tinker made the journey from Tasmania to Darwin, via Sydney, yesterday with their son Oscar.

They were cautious about transiting through Sydney Airport but happy with the level of safety implemented by the airlines.

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“It was actually a great flight. I was a bit paranoid because we’ve been COVID-19-free in Tassie for ages,” Ms Tinker said.

“We had to go from Hobart to Sydney and then there were only two gates between us and we went straight onto the next flight.

“There were heaps of seats vacant so that was great … only about 25 or 30 on the flight (from our estimates).”

April Tinker, Oscar Tinker and Stuart Tinker are glad they made it through to Darwin from Tasmania without having to quarantine. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

But they had their eyes firmly on the news, ensuring they didn’t face the same fate as dozens who were sent to quarantine upon arrival in the Territory on Sunday after Northern Greater Sydney was declared a hot spot.

“We were always keeping our eye on the news and what’s going on,” Mr Tinker said.

“There’s always that thought in the back of our mind saying ‘oh no, we might have to cancel our holiday’.”

It’s been 12 months since the Tinker family last saw their daughters and granddaughter, with tears of joy expected over the next few days as they reunite.

“They came down to Tassie at Christmas last year,” Ms Tinker said.

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“I was supposed to come here in July so I’ve been dying to come through.”

Yesterday’s flight was the second from Sydney since it was declared a hot spot, with Sydneysiders seemingly avoiding the prospect of quarantining over Christmas where possible with no one from the Tinker’s flight directed into quarantine.

Another flight from Sydney was scheduled to arrive just before midnight last night, while three more flights expected to land in Darwin today at 11.25am, 3.20pm and 5.15pm, which will transit through Alice Springs.