Despite cheap tickets, most flights run through Melbourne

Travel operators are offering up discount tickets in an effort to get bums in seats, but there are no clear procedures in place for travellers heading to and fro the mainland. Full story >>

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AIRLINES are offering up discounted tickets in attempts to get bums in seats, jumping the gun on border openings by three weeks.

Virgin Australia yesterday launched a flash sale with fares starting from $99 to Melbourne one-way from August 4, with Tasmania’s borders set to open on July 24.

However the majority of routes to other destinations run through Melbourne, making it difficult for Tasmanian travellers to avoid the epicentre of the mainland outbreak.

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Victoria yesterday recorded 77 cases and tallied more than 300 active cases, as Premier Daniel Andrews put into place postcode-specific lockdowns, with crack teams to ensure compliance.

An official response from Virgin Australia said responsibility for ensuring the safety of travellers laid with each state’s health department.

“In terms of transit through Melbourne, it is up to each state (sic) Health department as to how they regulate travel into and out of their states,” a spokeswoman said.

“At this stage, travellers are absolutely allowed to transit through Melbourne to any other destination if they are transiting.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said there will be a formal review next week of whether Tasmania’s borders will open on July 24.

Premier Peter Gutwein maintains there is a possibility Tasmania’s borders may not open at the end of the month. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We set the date to open our borders on July 24, subject to a weekly review of circumstances around the rest of the country and a formal review of Victoria next week and will base our decision on Public Health advice,” he said.

“This process allows for an appropriate plan to be in place to support a safe relaxation of our borders.

“We will also implement measures at our borders, including at both airports and seaports, to ensure we have detailed understanding of who is entering our state should we open our border on July 24 and how to contact them for regular updates in terms of their health.”

The State Government is working on technology, including a mobile app to ensure traveller safety.

“It will be available via mobile or computer and will be complemented by a manual record system to cater for all people,” Mr Gutwein said.

“We will continue our engagement with airlines in regards to direct flights, wherever possible, to states and territories that are currently COVID-free, and we will work with the Victorian Government to understand the measures that are currently in place to ensure a safe transition through Tullamarine, should that be necessary depending on Victoria’s situation at that time.”

Spirit of Tasmania sailings are set to commence on July 24, and the TT Line has already put COVID-safe practices into place.

“Importantly, given TT-Line has continued its sailings throughout this period, it has already put in place appropriate measures and COVID safety plans in line with our current border restrictions.”

The Spirit of Tasmania opened bookings for travellers to and fro the mainland, via Melbourne’s Station Pier, from July 24.

The company’s website reads “for travel prior to July 24, Spirit of Tasmania can only accept bookings from: Tasmanian residents returning to Tasmania; Essential Travellers to Tasmania; Freight operators; and passengers travelling to the mainland from Tasmania.

“As I’ve consistently said, if the public health advice at that time, or in the immediate lead up to the 24 July is that it is not safe to open – we will not open,” Mr Gutwein said.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said a series of reviews would be done as the state moved towards the target date for reopening borders.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said there is still “a lot of work to go”. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Ms Courtney said the date was made to allow people to plan, but stressed there was still “a lot of work to go”.

“As we’re seeing from Victoria, this is an evolving situation and we won’t be afraid to make decisions that are in the best interests of Tasmania,’’ she said.

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