Christmas quarantine for passengers on two Virgin flights to Queensland

Sydney, Australia - October 7, 2013: Virgin Australia Airlines Boeing 737 airliner landing at Sydney Airport.
By James Harrison


A person who recently took two Queensland flights with Virgin Australia has tested positive to COVID-19, forcing passengers into quarantine over the Christmas period.

On Monday, the positive case flew on Virgin flights VA 1105, Newcastle to Brisbane, and VA 375, Brisbane to Townsville.

All passengers on each flight have been deemed close contacts and have to quarantine over the next two weeks even if they give back a negative COVID test.

This period includes Christmas and Boxing Day, which for many, would have been the first opportunity to reconnect with friends and family in nearly five months,

People have been urged to frequently check the Queensland Health website for exposure sights.

“We can confirm these flights and exposure sites are in relation to a new positive COVID-19 case and more information will be provided (today),” Queensland Health said in a statement.

Newcastle recently experienced a rapidly-growing COVID cluster, due to an outbreak at a nightclub.

Case numbers rose in Newcastle after a prom night at the Argyle House last week saw more than 200 out of the 650 people at the event test positive for COVID.

According to ABC News, The quarantine mandate has been criticised by the head of the Australian Industry Group, saying the decision would hurt business and deter travel.

The group’s chief executive, Innes Willox, claimed the Queensland government were overreacting.

“Why Queensland hasn’t done what other states have done and said just the people sitting around this person should be considered close contacts rather than the whole plane is just unbelievable,” Willox said.

“What this will do is deter people from travelling to Queensland as there is no certainty.”

While people deemed close contacts in Queensland are currently required to immediately get tested for COVID-19, contact Queensland Health and isolate for 14 days, from 1 of January fully vaccinated close contacts will only need to quarantine for seven days if they test negative on day five of the isolation period.

Unvaccinated people are allowed into the Sunshine state, but they must undergo 14 days of hotel quarantine.

Latest News

  • Hotels

Groupe Barriere appoints La Collection as ANZ representative of its Fouquet’s properties

Groupe Barriere has announced it has appointed La Collection as the exclusive representative for Australia and New Zealand of its two flagship Fouquet’s properties. This partnership brings together La Collection’s dedication to exceptional boutique experiences with the legendary heritage of the Fouquet’s brand. Groupe Barriere, a name synonymous with French luxury and the art of […]

  • Conferences
  • First Nations
  • Tourism

Indigenous tourism drives economic growth: The World Travel & Tourism Council finds

Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute US$67 billion ($AU100 billion) to the global economy by 2034, a landmark World Travel & Tourism Council has found. This economic boom is fuelled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, among others. The report showcases the sector’s role […]

  • Conferences
  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb becomes world’s first member of WTTC’s ‘Together in Travel’ for SMEs

Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb co-founder Ryan Mossny has been named the world’s first member of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s new ‘Together in Travel’ program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Announced at the 2024 Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), today the ‘Together in Travel’ program is a unique initiative aimed at providing support and […]