'We're ready' as businesses hang on for trans-Tasman travel deal - Auckland Airport CEO

Published: March 15, 2021, 4:09 a.m.

Hundreds of businesses are hanging on for New Zealand and Australia to establish a quarantine-free travel arrangement, Auckland Airport's chief executive says. There have been months of negotiations between the two countries, but nothing has quite got off the ground, with borders slamming shut after news of community Covid-19 cases. Across the ditch some states have allowed New Zealanders in without quarantining - but New Zealand has not returned the favour. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Australia moved the goalposts which has exposed more complications. Now it appears Australia is looking to a new dance partner - Singapore - with reports suggesting the pair could have its own bubble up and flying by July. Auckland Airport chief executive Adrian Littlewood told Checkpoint it is a real risk New Zealand could miss out altogether.