The Otago Daily Times understands passenger numbers on flights from Australia yesterday were extremely low. For example, only 11 passengers were on a Virgin Australia flight.
A Virgin Australia spokesman would not confirm that number, saying the information was commercially sensitive.
Queenstown Airport Corporation acting chairwoman Adrienne Young-Cooper said it had expected a "significant reduction" in passenger movements from yesterday onwards.
The Government-introduced restrictions, which came into effect at 1am yesterday, were "strict but necessary".
Air New Zealand announced yesterday it would reduce capacity on its domestic routes by about 30% next month and May as a result of the coronavirus, but no routes would be suspended.
Capacity on its transtasman and Pacific Island networks would be "significantly reduced" between next month and June, and its international capacity would be slashed by 85% over the next few months.
Nelson man John McLean, who arrived at Queenstown Airport yesterday morning on a near-empty Jetstar flight from Melbourne, said he originally booked his trip for the Formula 1 Melbourne Grand Prix on Sunday.
He decided to go ahead with the three-day trip, despite the race being cancelled last Thursday, so he could visit family in the city.
Mr McLean, who said he would drive back to Nelson from the resort, said he supported the strict travel restrictions, and was resigned to spending the next two weeks in isolation.
"We’ve got to be prudent — this is uncharted territory."
He already had the coming week off work, and would ask his employer if he could extend it by another week; he was thinking of going on a solo hunting trip.
Queenstown Airport’s corporate and community affairs manager, Sara Irvine, said changes to border processing introduced yesterday in response to Covid-19 were likely to result in delays for passengers.
Arriving passengers were being processed in person by Customs and immigration staff, although e-gates were still being used for departing passengers.
All incoming passengers were being asked health-related questions and given a health card to fill out.
They had been "generally understanding and supportive" to date, Ms Irvine said.
