Qantas follows government to drop vaccine mandates

Qantas has dropped its requirement that passengers on international flights should be vaccinated against COVID-19. The announcement was widely expected after the federal government formally dropped its rule earlier this month. “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,” said the airline in a memo. Vaccination against COVID-19 may still be required by certain countries, so passengers should check the requirements of the country they are travelling to. Additionally, masks will continue to be required where government regulations stipulate they must be worn, including on board domestic flights in Australia.” The outgoing federal rule led to a diplomatic incident earlier this year when tennis player Novak Djokovic was allowed into the country to play in the Australian Open, before being effectively deported a week later. It comes after CE Alan Joyce criticised Australia’s decision to keep mask mandates on inbound international flights. Joyce said Australia was “a little behind the curve” on the restrictions, which bizarrely means those flying from Sydney to London don’t require face coverings, but those coming the other way do.<br/>