Earlier this evening (Saturday 1 February 2020), I received a phone call from the Senior Adviser (Trade) at the Office of Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham - Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment informing me that the Prime Minister has applied DFAT's recommended border measures which include heightened restrictions for entering Australia from mainland China. The level four "do not travel" advice warning also recommends Australians do not travel to China.
DFAT had recommended the implementation of additional border measures, which would deny entry to Australia for people who have left or transited through mainland China from today. Exceptions will be made for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family, as well as air crews who have been using appropriate personal protective equipment.
Noting that the majority of airfreight to and from Australia is carried in the belly of passenger aircraft, the Ministerial adviser stated that he will be maintaining direct contact with Qantas and other major airlines and will keep FTA up to date on emerging developments.
Advice received earlier this afternoon from Qantas confirmed that they will suspend their two direct services to mainland China (Sydney-Beijing and Sydney-Shanghai) from 9 February until 29 March 2020. This follows entry restrictions imposed by countries including Singapore and the United States, which impact the movement of crew who work across the Qantas International network.
These entry restrictions pose significant logistical challenges for rostering crew to operate mainland China services, leading to the need to temporarily suspend these flights.
There is no change to Qantas services to Hong Kong as it's exempt from current travel restrictions.
In selecting a date to suspend services Qantas is working to balance high passenger numbers in both directions – including Australian residents wanting to return home from China – with the various travel restrictions being applied. The suspension may be brought forward if demand levels or other factors change. The date for flights to resume will also be regularly reviewed based on the circumstances.
Qantas is liaising closely with the Australian Government on the impact of these changes to citizens currently in mainland China, and continues to take advice from the World Health Organisation and Australia's Chief Medical Officer regarding the Coronavirus in its decision-making.
For the full notice – refer to QANTAS UPDATE ON CHINA SERVICES |
|