Anger over packed Qantas flight during social distancing laws
Qantas has come under fire after a passenger shared an image of a crowded plane on social media.
“What kind of social distancing is this?” the passenger posted on Twitter, along with an image of a sold out flight on April 13.
While many airlines around the world have blocked middle seat purchases to accommodate social distancing requirements, Qantas had not introduced similar measures to help passengers who require essential travel to keep 1.5 metres apart.
The passenger was travelling from Townsville to Brisbane for work on board flight QF755 on Monday afternoon.
Twitter users responded to the image, with many questioning why airlines were exempt from COVID-19 restrictions that have even seen police patrol a funeral in Victoria on Saturday and move people along from open parks.
This is a on a flight from Nth Qld to Bris today for work.
What kind of social distancing is this? Pls RT. #covid19australia@Qantas @AnnastaciaMP @MadFckingWitch @vanOnselenP @abcnews @ScottMorrisonMP pic.twitter.com/dAs9TNjPXf— 😷🐨💧Greenmitty🌳 (@greenmitty) April 13, 2020
“How on earth can it be acceptable that airlines aren’t required to leave the middle row vacant,” one person responded.
“They fine people for sitting on a park bench and then they allow this,” another person wrote.
“Special exemptions for some businesses just create huge holes in the work everyone is supposed to be working for,” a user commented.
The passenger posted an image of their boarding pass after people questioned the date the photo was taken, with many not believing that Qantas would ignore social distancing measures that have been strictly enforced around the country.
It comes on the same day that AAP reported 750 Qantas staff were forced to self-isolate after 18 baggage handlers, 13 of their close contacts and three other staff tested positive for coronavirus, with the cluster linked to Adelaide airport.
ABC reported that Qantas had responded to the image by formally introducing a social distancing policy that will leave a seat in between passengers.
Yahoo News Australia contacted Qantas for comment.
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