The news came despite speculation the date was to be revealed today and following Australia seemingly rushing to change its laws to facilitate a quick opening.

Rex has reversed its decision to cut five regional routes at the heart of its row with Qantas over network expansion.

Qantas has lost the first round of its legal bid to push back the start of defecting new Velocity CEO Nick Rohrlach after the NSW Supreme Court ruled the case must be heard in Singapore.

The carrier will operate flights between Auckland and Hobart as soon as a two-way trans-Tasman bubble starts.