Following the suspension of the regular Sydney route to the Island due to the ongoing New South Wales COVID outbreak, a limited flight service is being maintained between Sydney and Norfolk Island to support essential travel and critical freight transfer while minimising the risks of COVID-19 transmission to Norfolk Island.
As the Department worked through the implementation of the route suspension, it was determined that occasional Qantas services from Norfolk to Sydney will allow passengers to travel directly to and from NSW for medical procedures and also better support direct delivery of freight sourced out of Sydney.
The next services, on 13 September and 27 September 2021, are available for booking now.
Norfolk Island residents also remain able to travel to and from Sydney on Qantas flights through Brisbane.
As New South Wales has been declared a COVID-19 hotspot by the Queensland Government, travellers from New South Wales will need to quarantine overnight in Brisbane in a Queensland Government Quarantine Facility prior to boarding their flight to Norfolk Island the next day. Queensland Health has advised that transiting passengers must present evidence of onward travel upon arrival in Brisbane before they will be provided quarantine accommodation. Transits of less than 24 hours will not incur quarantine fees.
Passengers can make new bookings and transfer existing bookings to these flights through normal channels: online via qantas.com, by contacting Qantas on +61 2 8222 2422, or through their travel agent.
The Australia Government will restore regular Sydney to Norfolk Island services when it is appropriate to do so.
Returning residents from NSW must self-isolate at home or at their accommodation upon arrival, undergo a test on day 13 of self-isolation and not be released until approved by NIHRACS. Before travelling, please consult Norfolk Island COVID‑19 travel information at www.norfolkisland.gov.nf/covid-19-travel-information-and-entry-pass.
My thanks again for your ongoing flexibility and patience as we all work together to manage COVID risks and keep the Norfolk community safe.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
9 September 2021