ASX 200 travel shares leap as Australia scraps COVID-19 vaccine mandates for international arrivals

What positive news could be boosting ASX200 travel shares today?

| More on:
Two adults and a child look happy as they walk through airport with child sitting on suitcase.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Qantas, Flight Centre and Webjet shares are all taking off more than 2% today 
  • The Federal Government is lifting a vaccine requirement for international arrivals. A digital passenger declaration will also no longer be necessary 
  • Pictures of large lines at Australian airports were seen on the weekend 

Travel shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) are jumping today amid news that will make it easier for tourists to travel to Australia.

Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN), Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) shares are all rising today.

Webjet shares are rising 2.08% today, Flight Centre shares are leaping 2.18% and Qantas shares are up 2.25%.

So what could be impacting ASX 200 travel shares today?

ASX 200 travel shares lift

ASX 200 travel shares are lifting amid news that could boost international travel numbers into Australia.

Health Minister Mark Butler announced yesterday that a COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be required for international tourists travelling to Australia. All travellers will also no longer be required to declare their status on arrival to the country. However, masks will still be required on inbound international flights.

Minister Butler said:

The chief medical officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of COVID

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil described the news as "great news for families coming home from school holidays".

Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination.

I know anyone who has travelled internationally since the borders have opened will find this as one less thing to worry about – especially as more Australians get back to travelling overseas.

Meanwhile, chaos erupted at Sydney airport on the weekend as Australians embark on school holiday travel, Guardian Australia reported.

Large amounts of people were seen lining up outside the terminal, the publication reported. Union strikes also had an impact on arrivals at airport train stations.

Meanwhile, Adelaide Airport is also forecasting that Friday this week will be the busiest travel day since the onset of COVID-19, Indaily reports. The airport is predicting 30,000 travellers at the airport on Friday.

Share price recap

The Qantas share price has shed 5% in a year, while Webjet shares have jumped nearly 6%. Flight Centre shares have soared 15% in a year.

For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has lifted 9% in the past year.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Travel Shares

Bored woman waiting for her flight at the airport.
Travel Shares

Why is the Flight Centre share price falling today?

What's going on with this travel agent's shares?

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.
Travel Shares

A 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for Qantas shares?

Can this stock fly higher?

Read more »

Two elderly men laugh together as they take a selfie with a mobile phone with a city scape in the background.
Travel Shares

Act fast if you want to receive the next Flight Centre dividend

It won't be long until this travel agent pays its next dividend.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Travel Shares

Why is the Webjet share price racing to a 52-week high today?

Webjet has been busy talking up its WebBeds business this morning.

Read more »

A businessman points a finger in accusation, indicating a share price or ASX company in trouble
Travel Shares

Qantas shares hit turbulence amid $250,000 fine for 'shameful' conduct

ASX 200 investors are bidding down the Qantas share price on Wednesday.

Read more »

A woman ponders a question as she puts money into a piggy bank with a model plane and suitcase nearby.
Travel Shares

Flight Centre shares plunge 7% despite return of the interim dividend

ASX 200 investors are sending the Flight Centre share price spiralling lower on Wednesday.

Read more »

Happy couple looking at a phone and waiting for their flight at an airport.
Earnings Results

Flight Centre share price on watch amid 565% half-year profit surge

Flight Centre shares could see some sizeable moves today after the ASX 200 travel stock reported on its half-year results.

Read more »

Two elderly men laugh together as they take a selfie with a mobile phone with a city scape in the background.
Travel Shares

Own Flight Centre shares? Here's what you need to know ahead of its results

The travel agent giant is releasing its results on Wednesday next week.

Read more »