Australian Aviation

The statement was issued following the news that Virgin’s former chief pilot is taking legal action against the airline and the revelation that the business’ group medical officer took stress leave before joining Qantas.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce made the announcement on Thursday before Labor leader Anthony Albanese pledged to match it should the opposition win next month’s federal election.

The extensive delays and long queues seen at airports over the last week were “entirely predictable” and represent poor planning on the part of airlines, airports and governments, the Transport Workers Union has said.

New questions have emerged over Virgin Australia’s workplace culture after it was revealed the airline’s group medical officer took stress leave from her role at the height of last year’s lockdown before joining rival Qantas.

The news coincides with New Zealand’s borders finally lifting to Australians for the first time on Tuesday since the trans-Tasman bubble was paused last July.

Rex’s decision to refund customers who have been impacted by COVID-related disruptions is a “far better” method than both that of Qantas, consumer advocacy firm Choice has said.