New Zealand border reopens, restoring vital Australia aviation links

New Zealand's upcoming move to allow entry for Australian residents will mark the final step in reopening a cross-border market that is crucial to the major airlines in both countries.

This measure is part of the New Zealand government's accelerated timetable for restoring travel from some of its most important overseas markets. This follows previous steps that allowed New Zealanders to return from overseas without quarantine.

Australia acted more quickly to allow its citizens to travel overseas, and to open borders to foreign travellers - although some states were faster than others.

Although New Zealand may be lagging Australia and several other Asia-Pacific countries in letting tourists back in, at least there is progress now. The major questions now are how quickly airlines will ramp up capacity in the upcoming winter season - and what demand will be like after the initial rush.