Flights to Australia resume from New Zealand

Flights between New Zealand and Australia resumed on Friday morning with more than 350 passengers making the journey according to local media. "I'm going to see my wife and children for the first time in over four months, so, yeah, looking forward to it," said passenger Bryce Beauchamp in Auckland on Friday.

Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand and Qatar Airways have all relaunched their services between the two countries in what has been defined as a safe travel zone.

"Jetstar hasn't operated any international services since April this year due to border restrictions so, yeah, today we're really excited about the relaunch in the Tasman (Sea)," said Jetstar pilot Tony Macdonald on Friday in Auckland.

Sixteen flights per week are currently scheduled to operate. "It's an important first step in the gradual and safe reopening of borders, something we've been working on for some time with our colleagues across the Tasman," said Auckland Airport chief executive Adrian Littlewood. According to Air New Zealand, 90% of people using their service this Friday have booked a one-way ticket only. Passengers arriving in Australia won't have to quarantine. Australians are still not allowed to travel to New Zealand. 

(Image Credits: AP)