Families on this side of the ditch have been left upset after Australia abruptly suspended its trans-Tasman travel bubble.
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The trans-Tasman bubble was suspended for at least 72 hours after a woman on Sunday became New Zealand’s first community case in a little more than two months.
Charlotte Mimilo was due to board a flight from Auckland to the Gold Coast to visit family she hadn’t seen in a year.
“Just as we were about to board, we were told that our flight was cancelled,” Mimilo told 1 NEWS.
Flights due to leave Auckland for Australia last night were cancelled, forcing travellers to change their plans.
The snap suspension is in place until at least Thursday afternoon.
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“There was tears, families so upset, kids asking why they couldn’t go on the flights and it was just a really sad experience to be in,” Mimilo said.
Those who arrived in Australia in the past week and a half have been asked to get tested and isolate.
“I advised [Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison] that we have confidence in our systems and processes, but it is Australia’s decision as to how they manage their borders,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told 1 NEWS.
At least five flights to Australia have been cancelled, and people will have to quarantine in Australia until the ban is lifted.
“Air New Zealand’s told us to sit tight. I probably would not go anymore, we’ve been advised to stay,” Mimilo said.
