Highlights
- Two flights announced to bring back Australians from India
- Two flights scheduled on August 22 and 26 from New Delhi to Sydney
- Mandatory quarantine for 14 days at one’s own expense
Two Air India flights have been arranged to fly Australians from New Delhi to Sydney on August 22 and 26, the Australian High Commissioner has announced.
Mr Barry O’Farrell on Friday tweeted, “Under the current very strict border restrictions, we have secured two Air India flights for your return from New Delhi to Sydney on 22 & 26 August.”
He requested those who want to travel to Australia to monitor Air India’s website and social media channels to check when the seats become available.
According to Air India, two flights to Sydney have been added to the Vande Bharat Mission, India’s repatriation program.
Two flights will carry passengers to Sydney from New Delhi on August 22 and 26 and bring back Indian citizens from Australia on August 24 and 28.
| Date | Flight Number | From | To |
| 22 Aug 2020 | AI 0302 | New Delhi (1355 hrs) | Sydney (0720 hrs – 23/08) |
| 24 Aug 2020 | AI 1301 | Sydney (0915 hrs) | New Delhi (1805 hrs) |
| 26 Aug 2020 | AI 1302 | New Delhi (1355 hrs) | Sydney (0720 hrs – 27/08) |
| 28 Aug 2020 | AI 0301 | Sydney (0915 hrs) | New Delhi (1805 hrs) |
Since March 2020, Australia has shut its international borders. Only Australian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. Temporary visa holders need to for special travel exemption to be able to come to Australia.
'Mandatory quarantine in the hotel at own expense upon arriving in Australia'
Australians arriving in Sydney will have to undergo mandatory quarantine in a hotel at their own expense.
“The New South Wales govt has implemented paid quarantine arrangements,” Mr O’Farrell said.
'International travellers will be charged $3000 for one adult, with $1000 additional for each adult and $500 additional for each child.
'There will be no additional cost for children under 3,' the NSW government has said.
A group or family of 2 adults and 2 children (over the age of 3) in one suite or apartment would pay $5000.
A group or family of 2 adults and 4 children over the age of 3 would pay $6000.
If the traveller stays in quarantine for less than 48 hours, they will not be charged a fee.
If they stay longer than 48 hours but less than 14 days for any reason, they will be charged a portion of the applicable quarantine fee depending on the length of their stay.
A traveller may have a shorter stay in quarantine if they are a transiting traveller staying in quarantine or if they need to be treated in hospital.
“Can’t wait to get a ticket”
Dr P* is a General Practitioner who is eagerly waiting for Air India to announce booking details.
“I was recently granted my 482 visa and within days, I was granted travel exemption too. I have a job waiting for me in Melbourne as a GP and I work in a critical sector.
“I have the visa and the travel exemption I need to travel to Australia. All I was waiting for, was flights. I am glad two flights have been announced. I can't wait to get a ticket,” Dr P told SBS Hindi from India.
Dr P is among thousands of Australians, permanent residents who are stuck in India due to border closures.
Following the second wave of coronavirus infections in Victoria and concerns raised by other states and territories in managing the hotel quarantine program, Prime Minister Scott Morrison slashed the number of international arrivals and the free quarantine program in July, forcing a longer wait upon those stuck abroad trying desperately to return to Australia.
While other states and territories continue to allow international arrivals, the number has been reduced significantly from 6500 to 4000 arrivals every week.
The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday said that the state will start accepting international flights only once it is past Stage 4 restrictions and the second wave.
Meanwhile, Australians stuck abroad who wish to return have been urged to with the Australian High Commission.
“We know these changes taken by Australian Federal, State and Territory governments to manage COVID-19 risks are frustrating for many of you who want to return to Australia. We will continue to update registered Australians about options to return to Australia as they become available,” the High Commission has said.
*Name withheld at person’s request
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
