Australia extends aviation financial aid scheme until March

Monday, September 20, 2021

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison first announced the scheme in March and will extend it through March 2022.

It was originally supposed to have expired by end-October.

Australia’s international borders have remained shut for more than a year as an initiative to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The country also ramps up inoculations. 

Canberra has announced that a “gradual reopening” of borders can take place once 80% of its population gets full doses of vaccine.

 It is likely to be around the end of the year.

Consequently, Qantas in August said it expects to restart international flying in mid-December. \

It has earmarked 18 December as the date of relaunching flights to COVID safe countries.

Separately, the Australian government also announced A$64 million in aviation security screening cost rebates for the country’s major gateways.

A joint government press release states that, the rebates which will run from October to end-March 2022, will help airports meet the costs associated with mandated security requirements.

 It includes, passenger and baggage screening on international passenger flights.

Australia in August extended financial relief measures for domestic carriers, amid a resurgence in coronavirus infections which sent several states into lock-down.

Deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce says as a driver of so many sectors of our economy, it is essential that the [aviation] industry is ready to ramp up operations when international restrictions are eased.

It’s also important that the sector continues operating now, to maintain the flow of exports and imports and bring Australians home from overseas.

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