Further network adjustments in response to COVID-19
Last Updated: 09/03/2020 09:42 PM
(Latest updated 08:30 AEST 10 March 2020)
The wellbeing of our customers is, and always has been, our highest priority. In light of the Coronavirus outbreak, we have implemented a number of precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of our customers and crew.
Changes to Jetstar flights and destinations
We continue to monitor the situation closely and review our flights based on the advice of the World Health Organisation, Centre for Disease Control and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer. If there are any changes to your flight, you’ll be contacted directly to discuss your options.
Departing Australia
Please ensure you check current Australian travel alerts for the most up-to-date information.
Travelling to Australia
The Australian government is restricting entry from some countries, including mainland China, Iran and South Korea. Australian citizens or permanent residents (and their immediate family) are exempt.
It’s important that you meet the immigration requirements for entry into countries/territories with new restrictions; otherwise you won't be permitted to board your flight.
You can review the most up-to-date current Australian immigration requirements here
If you’re visiting Australia, please be sure to check your local country’s travel advice for the most current information on your destination and transit ports, as it is constantly being reviewed.
(08:30 AEST 10 March 2020)
Further Network adjustments in response to COVID-19
In response to the evolving impacts of COVID-19, the Qantas Group, including Jetstar, has announced further cuts to its international flying for the next six months.
In addition to the changes announced previously, the below adjustments will be made in the coming weeks across the Jetstar Group.
Summary of new changes to some of our international routes (in place until end of June but may be extended)
- Flights between Melbourne and Bangkok will be suspended from May 1 2020
- Flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam will be reduced by over 50 per cent from 1 May 2020
- Flights between Australia and Japan will be reduced by almost 40 per cent from 20 May 2020
- Flights between Brisbane and Bali will experience minor reductions from 1 May
Jetstar Airlines in Asia – Summary of Changes
- Jetstar Asia will cut capacity by almost 40 per cent with reductions in frequencies across the network. Singapore to Taipei and Osaka routes will be suspended
- Jetstar Japan has suspended its international services to Hong Kong, Taipei and Shanghai until at least the end of May and will reduce flights to Manila. Further reductions will be made to the Japanese domestic network.
- Jetstar Pacific has also suspended all international routes to the end of April, with the exception of Ho Chi Minh-Bangkok where flights have been halved. Further reductions are being made to the Vietnamese domestic network.
Advice for customers
Typically, customers flying internationally will be offered an alternative flight via another capital city or a partner airline, or an alternative day. Disruption to domestic passengers is expected to be minimal given the continued high frequency on most routes.
Jetstar will contact customers affected by these changes in the coming week. Customers who booked via a travel agent (including online travel agents) will be contacted by their agent rather than the airline.
Impacted flights will also be published on Jetstar’s website. Customers are encouraged to check this over the coming week before calling the airline.
To provide customers with greater flexibility and confidence when they book, Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Asia will waive change fees for new international bookings made from today until the end of March, if customers change their travel plans (changes need to be made at least three days before the date of travel). This applies to travel commencing up to 30 June 2020 limited one free change per customer. Customers will need to pay any fare difference.
Flights to and from mainland China
The Australian Government has announced immigration measures that restrict entry to travellers who have been in mainland China on or after 1 February 2020. Those who have been in or transited through mainland China since 1 February 2020 will not be permitted to board flights to Australia.
Those who departed mainland China before 1 February are not affected. Australian citizens or permanent residents (and their immediate family) are exempt. To understand more about these new immigration measures, refer to the Australian Government’s advice to travellers.
If you are no longer able to travel based on new immigration restrictions, please contact us via Live Chat.
In response to the current coronavirus infection originating in Wuhan, China, Jetstar is offering flexible options to customers travelling to/originating from or via mainland China on another carrier who hold a separate Jetstar booking for travel within domestic Australia, New Zealand or trans-Tasman.
Although Jetstar Airways does not fly directly to China from Australia or New Zealand customers with Jetstar bookings as part of an itinerary outlined above, departing between 24 January 2020 and 31 March 2020, who no longer wish to travel, currently have the option to rebook the Jetstar portion of their flight, cancel their ticket and retain its value in the form of a voucher or cancel their flights for a full refund.
Change and cancellation fees will not be charged to these customers.
Jetstar Asia (3K) and Jetstar Japan (GK) customers with bookings to/from or via mainland China within these travel dates also have the option to cancel and refund their bookings in full or to change their bookings to depart after 31 March 2020. Refunds can be requested using this form.
Booking changes and refunds
If you've booked your flights directly with Jetstar and are no longer able to travel based on the new immigration restrictions, you may be able to change your booking without an additional cost, or be eligible for a refund.
To see if these options are available to you, please contact a Jetstar representative through Live Chat or contact your original booking agent.
How we’re keeping you safe
Quality air filtration
Our HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresters) aircraft filtration systems filter 99.999% of dust particles and airborne contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, ensuring the highest possible quality of cabin air. These filters are used in hospital operating rooms.
Aircraft cleaning
We adopt high standards in cleaning our aircraft. This includes cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and fixtures in the cabin including tray tables and armrests. Our staff are trained with the latest hygiene protocols and cleaning procedures.
Stay healthy with good hygiene
Here’s how you can stay safe when travelling:
- Regularly wash your hands
- Use hand sanitiser,
- Cover your sneeze or cough with your arm
If you’re healthy, wearing a mask is not recommended according to the World Health Organisation. If you have respiratory issues like coughing or sneezing, then you should wear a mask.
What to do if you’re feeling unwell
If you have flu-like symptoms, you should seek your doctor’s advice before you travel.
For more information on Coronavirus, visit the Australian Department of Health, contact the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 or your local health authorities for instructions on what to do.