Some nice positive news for a Friday
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Tears of joy as Tasmanian-Victorian border reopens for first time in months
There have been emotional scenes at Tasmanian airports where families and friends have reunited after many months apart.
The borders between Victoria and Tasmania opened today after being closed for nearly eight months.
About 950 arrivals were expected into the state, according to figures from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, the Government department responsible for managing the contact details of incoming passengers.
Among them was Marley Mrhar, who hadn't seen his daughter Tara in nearly a year.
"I've lived here for just over a year and I am from Victoria so its been hard, living down here without mum and dad," Tara Mrhar said.
"I didn't think I'd cry but I think emotions just take over."
Mother and daughter Kerry Stallard and Amanda Osuchowski were also reunited.
"I think we've been crying, tearing up for weeks now," Ms Stallard said.
"I think when we were in lockdown and not knowing that you just couldn't come home and give your mum or dad a hug and see your friends, that was really tough," Ms Osuchowski said.
There are eight flights today on the Launceston-Melbourne route — a big step up from the four a week since the border closure.
By December, it's expected the airport will be operating at 60 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
Meanwhile in Hobart, around 800 people are expected to travel to and from Melbourne, with 10 flights either way today.
The Qantas Group said it expected to be offering more than 16,000 seats per week on services to and from Tasmania in the lead-up to the school holiday period and over the summer break.
Hundreds of people arrive on flights into Tasmania from Victoria, as the state's borders reopen after being closed for nearly eight months.
www.abc.net.au