Flights from New Zealand arrive in Sydney

Passengers on board the first flights back from New Zealand to Australia for months due to the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Sydney on Friday.

"It's been pretty overwhelming actually. You have no idea. I think perhaps stressful as well, just getting here," said passenger Vicki Thode upon arriving.

Flights between the two countries resumed on Friday morning with more than 350 passengers making the journey, according to local media in New Zealand.

"That was very unusual, very different. But I'm so happy. We've been overseas in New Zealand for seven months already," said passenger Bledys Tunon upon arriving.

Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand and Qatar Airways have all relaunched their services between the two countries in what has been defined as a safe travel zone.

Sixteen flights per week are scheduled to operate.

"It's been about five months now trying to get back here so it's good to be home. Definitely good to be home," said passenger Adam Dowsing.

According to Air New Zealand, 90% of people using their service this Friday have booked a one-way ticket only.

Passengers arriving in Sydney won't have to quarantine, but some may have to at their final destination within Australia.

"Another flight onward from here and then I have to do another 14-day isolation in Perth I believe," said Dowsing.

Australians are still not allowed to travel to New Zealand.

This story has not been edited by www.republicworld.com and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.