Qantas has re-opened 11 its lounges but most Qantas Clubs and Chairman Lounges will remain shut for the time being.
Sydney, Perth and Canberra are the capital city business lounges that are open from Wednesday.
Adelaide’s Qantas Club is now open too.
Meanwhile, regional lounges in Alice Springs, Kalgoorlie, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Broome, Karratha and Launceston are also open.
Lounges in Queensland and Victoria will open progressively from July 10 as gathering restrictions are eased.
Qantas chief customer officer Stephanie Tully said the airline was pleased to re-open the facilities.
“We’ve already rolled out some service changes on board for everyone’s wellbeing, and now we’re announcing some changes to the lounge experience as well.”
These changes were detailed as part of Qantas’ Fly Well program last month.
There will be a cap on the number of guests consistent with the respective state’s restrictions on gatherings, a hosted snacking station instead of a self-serve buffet, disposable coffee cups, additional cleaning and sanitising stations in the lounges.
Qantas is aiming to fly at 40 per cent of its pre-pandemic capacity by August, and 70 per cent by December 31.
But it is far more pessimistic on the return of international flights.
Qantas boss Alan Joyce said he did not think international services would resume this financial year.
Meanwhile, Air New Zealand will not operate passenger services between Auckland and Melbourne for the first half of this month due to Victoria’s second COVID-19 outbreak.
New Zealand’s flag carrier was due to run two return services to Melbourne today, one a cargo-only flight and another with inbound passengers to Auckland.
“Melbourne to Auckland passenger services will continue to operate as demand requires,” the airline said.
“The airlines contact centre and customer care team are supporting those affected by these changes. Customers booked via a travel agent, including a third-party website (e.g. Expedia, Booking.com) should speak with their agent.”
