Safety is always the destination for Australia’s airports

The Australian Airports Association (AAA) is reminding passengers as they start flying again, that air travel may look different in each state and territory.

The domestic reopening coincides with the sector’s annual Airport Safety Week campaign. Running from 18 – 22 October, Airport Safety Week will see airports hosting a range of events based on the daily themes, including airport safety through a global pandemic, human factors in aviation safety, Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walk, mental health in safety and Safety Management Systems.

“The theme of Airport Safety Week 2021 is ‘Safety is always our destination’ which recognises the airport industry’s continued commitment to exceptional safety standards, particularly throughout the pandemic,” commented AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin.

As the nation begins to reach its vaccination targets, and travel resumes, Australian airports wish to remind travellers to do their homework before arriving at the terminal. Passengers may be asked about their vaccine status, told to check-in via a QR code and may need a valid border permit to enter another state or territory. Face masks will continue to be mandatory in all airport terminals across the country.

“We know opening up and living with the virus may be stressful for some people and that there could be some initial anxiety around travel, but it’s important any frustrations around the rules are not taken out on airport staff who are working harder than ever to ensure the safety of the travelling public.

“Australia’s airports are among the safest in the world and there are thousands of hardworking staff behind the scenes are making sure safety is maintained.

“The airport sector was one of the first and hardest hit by COVID-19, but its commitment to safety has never changed. Airport staff have continued to work around the clock, on the frontline to make sure aircraft can land to deliver vital medical supplies, freight and bring Australians home from overseas.