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Qantas will open a temporary lounge to cater for eligible customers travelling between Sydney and London via Darwin from next week – a reminder that from this Monday (1 November 2021) Australians will no longer need an exemption to leave their own country, provided they are fully vaccinated.
Another reminder of impending travel freedom has been provided by Singapore, which will allow fully vaccinated Australians, permanent residents and their families to enter without quarantine from 8 November.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) says seven countries so far have given permission for fully-vaccinated Australians to visit, without the need to quarantine. They are:

  • The United Kingdom
  • The United States of America
  • Canada
  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Germany
  • South Africa

Thailand will also reopen its border to tourists from this Monday – but travellers will need to spend their first night in a government-approved quarantine hotel, the ABC reports.
Qantas announced recently that its flagship Australia to Britain route would operate via Darwin once Australia’s international borders open this Monday. This arrangement will continue until at least April 2022 due to WA border closures.
Qantas will lease Darwin International Airport’s Catalina lounge, which will have space for approximately 100 guests utilising existing furniture and fittings. The offering will feature:

  • Service delivered by local Qantas lounge team members, including a signature welcome mocktail (Top End Lemonade) and refreshing cold towels.
  • Generous lounge and dining areas with a serviced buffet
  • Tailored menus for time of day, drawing on local culinary influences such as a Darwin markets inspired Asian style soup.

    Top End Lemonade with mask

  • Premium Australian wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks offered by a dedicated bar attendant
  • Power points through the space to recharge on the fly
  • Bathroom facilities

Qantas Group chief customer officer, Stephanie Tully, said the airline is delighted to work with Darwin International Airport to ensure a comfortable transit experience for its top tier frequent flyers and customers travelling in Business Class.
“We know that spending time in our lounges is one of the most enjoyable parts of the travel experience. We are excited to work with our friends at Darwin Airport to have our lounge facility ready next week in time to welcome our first international customers in 20 months.

Top End Lemonade without mask


“Given the relatively brief transit time of 90 minutes, our focus will be on offering a comfortable space for customers to stretch their legs, enjoy a brunch or light supper and to refresh before their onward journey.
“Previously, our direct flight between Australia and London had the highest customer satisfaction rating on our entire network and our plan is to recreate that as we restart.”
Customers eligible to visit the Qantas Darwin International Transit Lounge include:

  • Platinum One, Platinum, Gold Qantas Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members
  • Customers travelling in Business Class
  • Eligible oneworld partner members

Qantas will also reopen its Sydney International First Lounge from 1 November and its London and Los Angeles lounges in December.  In the interim few weeks of operation, eligible Qantas customers will be able to visit the British Airways T3 Lounge at London Heathrow and the Star Alliance Lounge at Tom Bradley International Terminal in LA.  Other international lounges will reopen to align with the return of further international routes.
Written by Peter Needham