Amid vaccination breakthroughs by multiple trials, the question of whether the Covid-19 vaccine will be enforced on the public by companies and state bodies has become ever more prominent.  

The Chief Executive of Australia’s largest airline by fleet size, Qantas, said the company was looking to change their terms and conditions for international travellers. 

“… we will ask people to have a vaccination before they can get on the aircraft. Certainly, for international visitors coming out, and people leaving the country. We think that’s a necessity,” CEO Alan Joyce said. 

He explained that Qantas would want the passengers to have a vaccination passport – “an electronic version of it, that certifies what the vaccine is, is it acceptable to the country you are traveling to.” 

Joyce however admitted that it would require logistics and technology to implement the idea. 

The notion of a compulsory vaccination has ignited a debate on the necessity of the requirement. Commentators got agitated online and some even called to boycott the airline. 

Others welcomed the decision and warned opponents of vaccinations to be aware of the coming changes. 

Qantas chief was adamant about the planned airline requirement for travellers, adding that it will become a common practice around the world. 

The Australian Government has said although COVID-19 vaccine would not be mandatory in Australia, it could become a condition of entry or re-entry to the country.

Elsewhere, speaking about the future of the vaccination programme in the United Kingdom, the UK PM Boris Johnson said on Monday that the government will not enforce the public to vaccinate.