Barnaby Joyce: China COVID-19 outbreak threatens Tamworth plan to open border to CAE international pilot training students

Chinese authorities have reported 25 new confirmed cases up until Sunday.

The idea to have pilot training students quarantined at Tamworth Airport is driven by Sigma Aerospace and CAE pilot training with the backing of Tamworth Regional Council (TRC).

But, 25 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in China could make for a tougher case, Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said.

"We have to demonstrate to Minister Peter Dutton how we can do this in a safe manner," he said.

"In China whatever is good news you can halve, and whatever is bad news you can double.

"When you hear of a possible lockdown of 21 million people that's a bad day, that in itself means you will have further restrictions which is not just a problem for CAE but for the whole economy."

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Border closures essentially locked CAE clients out of the country and the company is tipped to temporarily shutdown within the next month, taking regional jobs with it.

TRC general manager Paul Bennett said he received a first draft of quarantine protocols from CAE at the end of last week.

"We are currently working through that document to ensure it can align with our airport operations and be accommodated," he said.

"We will then forward the draft to Minister Mark Coulton and the Member for New England Barnaby Joyce to see if they are happy to present it to government."

Mr Joyce plans to meet with Mr Dutton as soon as practical.