Australia's so-called zero-covid policy has a significant impact on airlines. After Qantas, Virgin Australia and Regional Express are now also announcing temporary layoffs.
Around 2.500 employees are affected, but they will be hired again later if necessary. They can receive unemployment benefits for the period of their non-employment. Both carriers tell local media that given the current lockdown situation, they have no other option.
Even with only a few corona cases, the government imposes lockdowns on metropolises and entire regions. Recently there was a single positive test in a large city and a seven-day lockdown was immediately imposed. In Sydney there is growing displeasure because, despite the fact that the population is only allowed to leave their homes for a few exceptions, the numbers are increasing.