Brisbane flights cancelled as severe weather set to lash coast

Flights to and from Brisbane have been cancelled or delayed, with “severe weather” set to lash parts of the east coast.

Heavy rain and high winds are predicted across much of NSW for the week, beginning from Tuesday.

The Brisbane Airport website reported delays cancellations and delays for flights travelling from Melbourne and Sydney into Tuesday evening, with delays spanning from 15 minutes to more than an hour.

Brisbane Airport said rain delays in one city could affect operations in another.

One Brisbane-bound flight Qantas flight, departing from Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, arrived 70 minutes later than scheduled.

Sydney Airport attributed the long delays to reduced operations, after Airservices Australia ordered it to pare back its working runways from three to just one due to strong wind.

“Safety is Airservices’ number one remit – this decision is purely weather and safety-related to safeguard the travelling public,” an Airservices Australia spokeswoman said.

“We anticipated this safety call in cooperation with our airline customers and the Bureau of Meteorology.”

In a statement on Tuesday morning, Virgin confirmed some of its Brisbane flights were affected.

“The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority, and our meteorologists continue to closely monitor the weather system,” the airline said.

“We regret the impact of this on guests’ travel plans and are working hard to ensure they reach their destination safely and as soon as possible.”

Earlier in the day, the Brisbane Airport website showed delays and cancellations for flights as far north as Mackay and Townsville.

Delayed aircraft line up to take off at Sydney Airport on Tuesday.Credit: Wolter Peeters

A Brisbane Airport spokesman said the wilder southern weather had likely caused the delays, despite Brisbane having blue skies and “a good day for flying” across Tuesday.

“Australia is obviously one big network, so an issue in one or two cities has knock-on effects across the country,” he said.

“If you are planning to travel this evening or tomorrow morning to Sydney or Melbourne stay alert to any communication from your airline.”

While most flights routed outside of Sydney and Melbourne had returned to regular scheduling on Tuesday evening, delays continued for flights to and from Sydney, with airlines expecting to deliver updates.

On Tuesday evening, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin confirmed staff were continuing to monitor the situation.

The airlines expected crews would work late into the night alongside the weather bureau to map out safe flight paths.

Virgin urged customers to check its website for updates to flights, while Jetstar and Qantas expected to contact customers on affected flights.

In March, the approach of Cyclone Alfred caused the closure of Brisbane Airport and the cancellation of all flights.

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