Airlines offer 'flights to nowhere' that take off and land at the same airport

Children role playing as flight attendants during China Airlines’ ‘fly to nowhere’ event in Taoyuan City, Taiwan in August. — AFP

Qantas Airways Ltd said a seven-hour scenic flight over Australia’s Outback and Great Barrier Reef had sold out in 10 minutes, as it joined a growing trend in Asia offering “flights to nowhere” that take off and land at the same airport.

Tough border restrictions to keep the coronavirus under control have led to a 97.5% plunge in international travel in the region, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.