Premier reveals plan for direct flights between Tasmania and New Zealand

UPDATED: New Zealand visitors could be landing on Tasmanian soil sooner than expected as part of a trans-Tasman recovery deal set to boost tourism. DETAILS >>

TASMANIA has stuck up its hand to be a part of a proposed “trans-Tasman bubble” flight network between Australia and New Zealand.

Premier Peter Gutwein revealed on Monday Tasmania could be welcoming visitors from New Zealand by the end of 2020 in a tourism deal which could allow movement across the ditch.

The issue was discussed at a National Cabinet meeting at which NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was a guest.

The idea has been brewing for a few weeks based on the relative success of the two countries in slowing the spread of the virus, their proximity to each other and isolation from other global outbreak epicentres.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison said while he had been discussing a “safe travel zone between Australia and New Zealand” with PM Ardern for several weeks, it was “still some time away” but “part of the road back” for COVID-19.

Australian Prime Minster Scott Morrison and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Picture: JAMES D. MORGAN/GETTY IMAGES

“At some point both Australia and New Zealand will connect with the rest of the world again. The most obvious place for that to start is between the two countries.”

He indicated the trans-Tasman travel was likely to start when Australia reopened domestic flights between states and PM Ardern said it was unlikely to involve quarantine periods at either end.

Hobart Airport sees Tasmania’s capital as a logical link in any restart of air travel between Australia and its neighbour – especially if a direct link is established.

Tourism Tasmania CEO John Fitzgerald said NZ was a great market opportunity and the State was already ramping up its presence there before COVID-19 hit.

Premier Peter Gutwein at the daily COVID-19 update. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“Hopefully we get a direct service and we can really grow the market,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

Currently about 20,000 Kiwi visitors come each year and a direct flight would boost that.

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said the company had no plans to start operating flights to Tasmania and Qantas would also not be drawn on the possibility of direct flights.

However, chief executive Alan Joyce said the safe zone was a “significant” development although he hoped the domestic market would re-open first – which seems to be the indication.

Mr Joyce said he hoped the NZ-Australia bubble could be established as a model to open the international network “part by part” when other countries have a control on COVID-19.

Premier Peter Gutwein addresses the media during the Tasmanian Government daily COVID-19 update. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr Gutwein said direct flights would help the state’s once-booming tourism industry recover.

Labor leader Rebecca White agreed saying the industry had been devastated and the prospect of direct flights to NZ by year’s end would give tourism operators confidence to restart businesses.

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“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but as we look to reopening our borders New Zealand is a good place to start, certainly before places like Italy, France and Spain,” Mr Gutwein said.

“It is a safe and stand out opportunity.”

Hobart Airport Acting CEO Matt Cocker said Tasmania would be a logical choice to form part of a new network between the two countries.

“While it’s not expected that flights would occur anytime soon, Hobart Airport is ready to work with the airlines and the State and Federal Government to capitalise on the opportunity,” Mr Cocker said.