Perth Airport ready for controlled borders to take off

12 November, 2020
Perth Airport says its terminals are ready for an expected gradual increase in interstate passenger arrivals when WA’s controlled borders policy takes effect on Saturday.

Perth Airport recently became the first Australian airport to achieve an international Covid-safe rating from the Airports Council International.

There are eleven interstate flights scheduled to arrive at Perth Airport on Saturday, with flights from Darwin (2), Alice Springs, Adelaide (2), Hobart, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane (3).

Perth Airport CEO Kevin Brown says he expects a gradual build up in passenger numbers over the coming weeks and has appealed for patience as the new Government processes are bedded down.

“The State Government sensibly gave everyone a fortnight to prepare for these flights,” Mr Brown said.

“Our terminals are ready and waiting and the fact we have been given a global tick as a Covid-safe airport is testament to the work our team is doing to keep everyone who travels through or works in our terminals safe.

“We’ve got extra touch free hand sanitisers, additional signage, public announcements and floor markings to promote physical distancing, and enhanced terminal cleaning processes.

“The fortnight’s notice has also given officials from WA Police and the Health Department time to sort out their processes for screening arriving passengers.

“The flights arriving on Saturday and Sunday will give WAPOL and Health officials time to assess their processes in a more controlled environment before passenger numbers really start to ramp up.

“It’s important that passengers fill out their G2G pass prior to boarding as it will help move passengers quickly and efficiently through the terminal. If you know someone who is travelling to Perth, please remind them that everyone needs a G2G pass.

“It’s also important to remember that this is a new system and we ask that everyone shows a bit of patience as the officials bed it down in a real life situation.

“This is a big step on the Covid-19 journey and it’s essential that we all take the extra time to make sure we’ve got it right.

The Perth Airport team will be doing everything we can to help the government make this process as safe and as stress-free as possible.”

Mr Brown has urged families of passengers arriving on flights from Sydney and Melbourne not to come to the airport to greet their loved ones.

“Passengers from NSW and Victoria and still required to self-isolate for 14 days at an appropriate residence,” Mr Brown said.

“We appreciate their families and loved ones will be keen to see them, but we must respect the restrictions that have been put in place to protect the community.”

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