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Qantas to scrap vaccination rule to fly internationally this month

Qantas has announced it will no longer require a vaccine mandate for passengers entering Australia and will scrap the requirement from July 19.

Qantas has announced it will no longer require a vaccine mandate for passengers entering Australia and will scrap the requirement from July 19.

The move follows the government’s decision earlier this month to drop the requirement for all non-resident travellers to either be vaccinated or seek an exemption to enter Australia.

Qantas recently scrapped mandatory mask wearing for passengers flying out of Australia to destinations where face coverings are not enforced.

However, the national carrier said it would continue to require that passengers wear masks onboard, in line with government requirements, including on all domestic flights.

Qantas flight attendants enjoy gelato on the tarmac near a Qantas plane.
Qantas’ new seasonal Perth to Rome direct flight is one that can be flown mask-free

In a statement the airline said:

“From Tuesday 19 July 2022 the Qantas Group will no longer require passengers on international flights operated by the Qantas Group to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

“Vaccination against Covid-19 may still be required by certain countries, so passengers should check the requirements of the country they are travelling to.

“Additionally, masks will continue to be required where government regulations stipulate they must be worn, including on board domestic flights in Australia.”

Qantas staff will still need to follow the company mandate with the airline saying “Qantas Group employees will still need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in line with Qantas Group policy.”