Jetstar gives update on flights from Avalon as Tropical Cyclone Alfred nears

With confirmation that the Cats v Lions season opener has been postponed, fans booked to fly to Brisbane from Avalon with Jetstar have been told their options.

There is uncertainty over whether flights into Queensland will be possible in the coming days.

It remains unclear whether Jetstar will operate flights out of Avalon into Queensland in the coming days as Tropical Cyclone Alfred edges closer to landfall.

Jetstar operates daily flights from Avalon to both Brisbane and the Gold Coast and in a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, the airline said customers due to fly between Tuesday and Sunday could amend their booking free of change.

This includes changing the flight date up to seven days before and up to 14 days after the original booking or claiming a voucher.

“Where possible, we encourage customers to bring forward their flight to travel prior to the evening of Thursday March 6,” the statement said.

“Customers needing further support can contact us via livechat to discuss their individual circumstances and options.

“We thank customers for their understanding and patience during this weather event.”

Jetstar said it would contact customers directly if their flight was impacted, while customers who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent.

Supermarket shelves are being emptied in southeast Queensland and northern NSW in scenes reminiscent of Covid times. Picture: Glenno Hargs.

The AFL announced on Tuesday afternoon the postponement of the Cats v Lions season opener on Thursday night, as well as the Suns v Bombers Saturday clash on the Gold Coast.

Cats coach Chris Scott earlier said the club had reservations about “flying into the eye of a cyclone”, while the Lions hierarchy said on Monday they would prefer the game be moved to round three, when both teams have the bye.

Jetstar launched daily Avalon-Brisbane flights in June 2024. Picture: Brad Fleet.

On Tuesday, Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Sue Oates said Tropical Cyclone Alfred was 600km east of Brisbane and still moving away from the coast.

“However, this should change within the next 24 hours, and we will start to see Tropical Cyclone Alfred stall and then turn on a westward track towards the south east Queensland coast,” she said.

Ms Oates said destructive winds in excess of 95 km/h were expected in the category two system, with gusts of more than 130km/h.

She said high winds were expected to be felt from Wednesday afternoon.

“We are expecting gale force winds, with gusts in excess of 90km/h on exposed coastal areas by later Wednesday,” she said.

Ms Oates said up to 700mm of rain could fall in a 72-hour period.

Originally published as Jetstar gives update on flights from Avalon as Tropical Cyclone Alfred nears