Qantas Airways will ban unvaccinated passengers from traveling on its international flights once Australia’s borders reopen, the airline’s chief executive officer Alan Joyce confirmed to local media. 

All passengers intending to board international flights will be asked to prove that they are vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. According to Joyce, Qantas Airways aims to fly vaccinated travelers only, arguing that such a requirement could make passengers more confident during their journey. The new rule is expected to come into force in December 2021.

“We think everybody should be protecting themselves, but we also have a requirement to protect our colleagues and our passengers. And then there’s also a requirement to protect the community,” Joyce told traveler.com.au.

In August 2021, the flag carrier of Australia warned that all of its 22,000 employees who have frequent contact with passengers, including flight crew, cabin crew, and ground handling staff, would be required to get fully vaccinated by November 15, 2021. The remaining part of the staff must get their last vaccine shot by March 31, 2022.

Qantas has also launched a special nationwide campaign to promote vaccination. Vaccinated passengers who participate in the campaign can win prizes such as free flights, accommodation, or gasoline. The carrier hopes that the initiative will encourage more Australians to get the jab.