Several flights between Canberra and Melbourne were cancelled on Friday as Victoria entered the first day of its circuit-breaker lockdown after a spike of coronavirus cases.
Qantas cancelled half of its flights between the two cities, including what would usually be the 6pm flight home to Melbourne for those working in Canberra.
Politicians based in Victoria have reported making the decision to stay in Canberra, with federal Greens MP Adam Bandt among those opting for a weekend in the capital rather than entering lockdown.
Mr Bandt told breakfast radio while he hadn't told his children yet, it was a good opportunity to get some work done.
Qantas and Virgin are the only two airlines currently operating between Canberra and Melbourne. All Virgin flights were still scheduled as normal at midday on Friday. However, Virgin cancelled 10 Melbourne services with other cities when the lockdown was announced.
A spokeswoman for Canberra Airport said the flight cancellations were an airline decision and not something it could control.
She said it was likely the result of passengers cancelling due to new COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria.
Following the introduction of new travel restrictions imposed from Friday which prevent Victorians from entering the territory without an exemption, ACT Health officers at Canberra Airport were checking travellers upon arrival.
ACT Health has advised against non-essential travel to Victoria, due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.
Those who do have to travel to the state have been advised they are required to abide by all public health restrictions put in place by the Victorian government on Friday.
ACT Health said travellers should be prepared to change their travel plans at short notice as the situation in Victoria continued to develop, and they must also be prepared to follow all ACT public health instructions upon returning.
More to come.
