Qantas has announced it will scrap its requirement for international arrivals to be vaccinated against COVID-19 from 19 July.
The move follows the Australian government’s decision earlier this month to drop the requirement for all international arrivals to be either vaccinated or granted an exemption.
Qantas and JetStar were the last remaining Australian airlines to uphold the mandate, as most got rid of the rule earlier this month.
The major airlines have upheld the mask-wearing law, in line with the government requirements, including for domestic flights.
“From Tuesday 19 July 2022 the Qantas Group will no longer require passengers on international flights operated by the Qantas Group to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19,” Qantas wrote in a statement.
The airline warned that travellers heading overseas should keep in mind there are still requirements for people to be vaccinated, something passengers should confirm before travelling.
“Vaccination against Covid-19 may still be required by certain countries, so passengers should check the requirements of the country they are travelling to,” the airline wrote.
“Additionally, masks will continue to be required where government regulations stipulate they must be worn, including on board domestic flights in Australia.”
The move to drop the vaccine mandate received overwhelming support from travel agents across Australia.
Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) CEO Dean Long said the update would speed up processing times for airports amid massive travel demand both domestically and internationally.
“These final steps in returning travel to normal could not come at a better time,” Long said.
Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the changes would have a two-pronged impact.
“This removes another hurdle for international travellers as they weigh up which country to visit,” de Graaff said.
“Australia is competing for every tourist dollar, and for thousands of potential visitors, this will make us a more attractive destination.”
