Warm welcome as long-awaited Air New Zealand flight lands in Gold Coast

There were scenes of jubilation and celebration at Gold Coast Airport on Wednesday, after the first flight from Aotearoa in more than seven months touched down. The passengers aboard the Air New Zealand A321 neo received a special Gold Coast welcome back when they entered the terminal, as well as a performance from the Biren Aboriginal Dance Group, entertainment from a singer-guitarist, theme park characters and gift packs of Tim Tams. The flight arrival coincides with a further easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated Kiwis who no longer need to self-isolate when they return to New Zealand from Australia. Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said demand for the initial Air NZ services had been strong. <br/>