Tears and kisses – magic returns at the airports

For the first time in 582 days, international travelers were able to enter directly into the arrivals hall at Sydney Airport.

For many, it was an emotional meeting. Simon Yule lives in California, and came home for the first time in three years, where he met his father.

– I haven’t seen him in a long time. It’s great to be at home. Over a long time. It’s been pretty crazy the last couple of years. He says there were many disappointments Sydney Morning Herald.

Sydney resident David Frisken was on site with roses in his arms to greet his fiancée, who had arrived on a flight from South Korea. The couple had not met for 20 months.

– Every day was a struggle. I understand why, but it’s shocking how many people have been forced to go through with this. The number of circumstances destroyed, he says News letters.

Stores can be opened

Since Australia’s lockdown began just over a year and a half ago, it has been difficult for citizens to return to the country, and those who have succeeded have been directed to an expensive two-week hotel quarantine upon arrival.

“Today, a little bit of magic is back in our arrival halls; grandparents meeting grandchildren for the first time, families reuniting, all those sights that have been missing for far too long,” said Jeff Colbert, CEO of Sydney Airport. in a press release.

For the airport, less stringent entry rules of course also mean financial relief, where tax-free shops and restaurants can reopen.

“We still have a long way to go when it comes to the recovery of our sector, but allowing fully vaccinated Australians to travel without quarantine will provide a model for recovering students, business travelers and tourists from around the world,” Colbert said.

Similar scenes occurred in Melbourne, which also received its first international flights without the need for quarantine on Monday. The first aircraft from Singapore were honored with water cannons on the runway.

“overwhelming”

Sammy Wright was one of the lucky travelers. She has long tried to return to her homeland from Dublin. Now her 1.5-year-old daughter, Tilly, managed to meet her grandmother for the first time.

“It’s overwhelming,” Sammy Wright told The Associated Press. AAP.

Airport CEO Lil Strambe calls that a good start.

Two weeks ago, we had the worst day at the airport during the entire crisis, and it’s the lowest we’ve ever had. Only 700 passengers have passed, as we usually have about 100,000 people each day of the year, and more on holidays like Christmas, he told 3AW radio channel.

Sydney airport was the first in the country to announce reopening after 80 per cent of NSW residents aged 16 or over were fully vaccinated. Canberra also opened its airport on Monday.