Qantas LIFTS vaccine mandate for all international passengers

Qantas has finally removed its vaccine mandate for all international passengers – weeks after Australia dropped its strict border requirements.

The government dropped its rule that all overseas arrivals have to be vaccinated on July 6 but Qantas resisted calls to follow suit. 

Now, it has finally decided to let unvaccinated international passengers fly from July 19. 

However, Qantas employees will still be required to be vaccinated and passengers will still need to wear masks on domestic flights.  

‘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,’ a Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. 

‘This follows the Australian Government removing the proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirement for international travellers coming to Australia.

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

‘Qantas Group employees will still need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in line with Qantas Group policy.

‘Additionally, masks will continue to be required where government regulations stipulate they must be worn, including onboard domestic flights in Australia.’

Qantas was one of the first Australian companies to introduce mandates for staff and passengers alike.

It was also one of the last remaining airlines to insist on vaccinations, with most having dropped this requirement earlier this year.

Qantas remains locked in a legal battle with former staff who were sacked over refusing to get the jab last year.