Australia-New Zealand travel bubble brings relief, elation
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Elation marked the opening Monday of a long-anticipated travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand.
The start of quarantine-free travel was a relief for families who have been separated by the coronavirus pandemic as well as to struggling tourist operators. It marked the first, tentative steps toward what both countries hope will become a gradual reopening to the rest of the world.
In the capital, Wellington, Danny Mather was overcome to see his pregnant daughter Kristy and his infant grandson for the first time in 15 months after they flew in from Sydney for a visit on the first flight after the bubble opened. What did they say to each other?
“Not a thing,” he said, laughing. They just hugged. “It's just so good to see her and I'm just so happy to have her back.”
Kristy Mather said it was overwhelming to be reunited with her family and it was amazing the bubble had opened.
“I wished it had happened earlier, but it's happened now," she said. “I just wanted to get on that first flight because you never know, it may go south. Let's hope it sticks around."
Danny Mather said he wanted to keep New Zealand safe from the virus but also thought the time was right to open the bubble.
The idea of a travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand had been talked about for months but faced setbacks because of several small virus outbreaks in both countries, which were eventually stamped out.
To mark the occasion, Wellington International Airport painted an enormous welcome sign near its main runway and Air New Zealand ordered some 24,000 bottles of sparkling wine, offering a complimentary glass to adult passengers. Indigenous Maori performers welcomed arriving passengers who tearfully embraced loved ones.
Air New Zealand's Chief...