Year: 2023

In a strongly worded statement, its director general, Willie Walsh, called the decisions “extremely disappointing” and said the rules would prove ineffective at keeping infections down.

It comes after more than 40 countries, including Germany, Britain and New Zealand, asked the International Civil Aviation Organisation (IATA) to help make single-pilot airliner flights a reality last year.

The Australian federal government is set to face more questions over its decision after New Zealand said arrivals from China presented “minimum public health risk”.

The aircraft, VH-OQJ, departed Sydney via Singapore at 5:54pm on 2 January and was due to arrive in London at 6:15am the next day, local time, before being diverted to the Greek capital.

The federal government made the announcement on Tuesday after strong lobbying from the Australian Airports Association. The exemption covers Hong Kong, Macau and even mainland China.

Jetstar has continued its poor recent run of performance after being ranked the worst airline for cancellations in November. The budget airline was also the least reliable for on-time departures and second lowest ranking for on-time arrivals.