New Zealand resuming 'red flights' from Australian cities

New Zealand is resuming 'red flights' from several Australian cities in September.

Travellers on these flights will be required to book their 14-day in managed isolation, have a negative pre-departure test and comply with the normal rules around paying for their stay.

MIQ vouchers and flights will be available for travel on a limited number of dates in September from a select number of locations. A timeline on when the vouchers will be released and the flights open for booking for will be announced in the next days, with updates on the COVID-19 website.

"We are aware that a number of New Zealanders in Australia have been unable to return since the suspension of quarantine-free travel with Australia in July, so I am very pleased that flights from Australia will resume to bring more people home," said Joint Head of MIQ Brigadier Rose King.

"People will need to secure a voucher for MIQ in the same way everyone else returning to New Zealand does and there is high demand right now. The current outbreak in New Zealand is putting extra pressure on MIQ capacity, as MIQ facilities are being used for all positive COVID-19 cases.

"Please do not contact airlines at this early stage, further information will be made available in advance of the flights opening for bookings."

Those with an urgent need to travel are encouraged to check the MIQ webite to see if they meet the requirements for an emergency allocation, and if they wish to apply for this, should do so as soon as possible.