Qantas slammed over social distancing exemption as passengers herded on to overcrowded shuttle bus

Outraged passengers accuse Qantas of contempt for social distancing after being herded into overcrowded shuttle bus.

Passengers accused Qantas of showing complete contempt for social distancing as “An entire Dash 8 plane jammed into one bus while two others stood empty,” one passenger told The Australian. Picture: Supplied

Outraged passengers have accused Qantas of showing complete contempt for social distancing after being herded into an overcrowded shuttle bus at Sydney airport on Sunday.

Passengers taking QF1419 from the NSW capital to Canberra at midday said they were shocked when they were told they had to cram into the one bus to make the trip across the tarmac to their waiting aircraft while other vehicles sat empty and unused.

“An entire Dash 8 plane jammed into one bus while two others stood empty,” one passenger told The Australian.

Airports and airlines have escaped the tough social distancing regulations implemented across other sectors. Passengers who took the QF1419 from the NSW capital to Canberra at midday were herded in to one bus to make the trip across the tarmac to their waiting aircraft. Picture: Supplied

“I shouted at Qantas security, then had a go at the captain, who claimed Qantas had an exemption for social distancing.

“I told them they were breaking every medical protocol on this pandemic. Concern for the country, absolutely zero. Shame on you Qantas.”

Airports and airlines have managed to escape the tough social distancing regulations implemented across other sectors and are not required as yet to ensure passengers maintain a safe space around each other.

A Qantas spokeswoman said the airline’s shuttle buses were regularly cleaned and their use complied with all necessary regulations.

“Just like any other form of public transport, there are no restrictions on the use of buses at airports,” she said.

“To ensure our customers health and safety, our shuttle buses are treated regularly with an antimicrobial treatment and we have hand sanitiser available on request.”