Network adjustments in response to COVID-19
Last Updated: 15/03/2020 10:30 AM
(Latest updated 22:30 AEST 14 March 2020)
The wellbeing of our customers is, and always has been, our highest priority. In light of the Coronavirus outbreak, we have adjusted the number of flights on some routes and temporarily suspended some international routes. We have also implemented a number of precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of our customers and crew. You can find out how we’re keeping you safe when you fly here.
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.
If you are due to fly to or from Australia it’s important that you review the latest travel advice and meet immigration requirements
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
Additionally, effective midnight 15 March 2020 all travellers to Australia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Travel to New Zealand
The New Zealand government has announced additional restrictions due to Coronavrius. Please refer to our travel advice here for options.
Travel to Vietnam
In response to COVID-19, the Vietnamese Government has announced immediate immigration measures which restrict entry to travellers, including overseas Vietnamese, who have travelled to or transited through the 26 Schengen countries, Northern Ireland or the UK in past 14 days. In addition, passengers flying into Vietnam will be required to complete a medical declaration form and to wear masks in public spaces, including airports. Please make sure you have a mask with you for your flight as these will not be provided by Jetstar.
(08:30 AEST 10 March 2020)
Recent Network adjustments in response to COVID-19
On 10 March 2020, and in response to the evolving impacts of COVID-19, the Qantas Group, including Jetstar, 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 Jetstar Airways international routes (in place until end of June but may be extended)
- Flights between Melbourne and Bangkok will be suspended from May 5, 2020. We are currently sourcing alternative flights for customers and will contacted those affected from 17 March.
- Flights between Australia and Japan will be reduced by almost 40 per cent from 20 May 2020. We are also sourcing alternative flights for customers and will contact those affected from next week.
- Flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam will be reduced by over 50 per cent from 1 May 2020. We are currently working through the impacts of these reductions and will be in contact with affected customers within the next 2 weeks.
- Flights between Brisbane and Bali will experience minor reductions from 1 May. All impacted customers have now been notified via email.
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 us.
How we are 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.