Virgin Australia axes 12 flights amid travel chaos as ‘bomb cyclone’ looms over NSW

A major Aussie airline has cancelled numerous flights and there could be more pain ahead for travellers as a “bomb cyclone” looms over NSW.

Australian airlines have cancelled numerous flights and travellers are being warned of potential further chaos as a “bomb cyclone” looms over NSW.

Virgin Australia has cancelled 12 flights as of about 8am on Tuesday, with another several delayed.

“Some services on Virgin Australia’s network have been impacted by adverse weather in Sydney and Newcastle today,” a Virgin spokesperson said.

Virgin Australia has already cancelled 12 flights as a “bomb cyclone” threatens to smash NSW. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

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

“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.

“We encourage guests travelling today and tomorrow to keep an eye on the status of their flight via our website or app.”

A Jetstar spokesperson confirmed they had so far cancelled eight flights and were experiencing delays on numerous other routes to and from NSW.

“Our teams are closely monitoring the situation and working hard to minimise disruption where possible,” they said.

“We are communicating directly with impacted customers and encourage all travellers to check the status of their flight (via our website) or the Jetstar app before heading to the airport.

“We thank our customers for their patience and understanding.”

The “bomb cyclone” or “bombogenesis” system is expected to hit Sydney and significant stretches of the NSW coast from Tuesday, bringing significant rainfall and blistering winds.

Flight routes between major cities Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne are among the worst-affected as the freak weather system bears down.

Residents across Sydney and parts of NSW are battening down the hatches as a bomb cyclone hits the region, bringing lashings of rain, blistering winds and dangerous conditions. Picture: Windy

Sydney Airport has enacted its ground delay program, meaning fewer flights will be able to land at the major airport.

A Sydney Airport spokesperson said the severe weather forecast was being closely monitored.

“There may be impacts to flight schedules, and we recommend passengers check with their airline regarding the status of their flight,” they said.

Qantas says they are also monitoring the weather event “very closely” and anticipates “some cancellations” in and out of Sydney.

The airline says customers will be contacted directly if there are changes to their flights, and that safety was always their top priority.

An Airservices Australia spokesperson said they had been working overnight to help manage the impact of the severe weather conditions on operations in Sydney.

“Aircraft movement rates have been reduced this morning,” they said.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation and will adjust operations throughout the day as appropriate.”

The flights chaos comes only a day after Sydney Airport released a report predicting the upcoming school holidays would be the busiest on record for international travel, with millions of passengers expected to travel through the airport this week alone.

“Sydney Airport is gearing up for a bumper school holiday period, with almost 2.6 million passengers expected to travel through the terminals between Monday, June 30 to Sunday, July 20, 2025,” the report read.

“On the domestic front, more than 1.5 million passengers will travel through the T2 and T3 domestic terminals, up 4 per cent on 2024.”

People brace for wet and windy weather conditions in the Sydney CBD on Tuesday morning. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Sydney ferries are also feeling the effects of the wild weather.

Hourly services between Manly and Circular Quay have been cancelled until 7.45pm on Tuesday, with swells set to reach up to five meters over the next two days.

The Palm Beach to Ettalong and Wagstaffe ferries have also been diverted to Patonga until Thursday due to the large swells.

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins warned those who needed to travel to “prepare, stay informed and most importantly drive to the conditions”.

“Whether you’re travelling by car or catching public transport please allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination,” he said.

“Don’t drive, walk or cycle through flood waters, watch out for storm debris on the road, and if weather conditions become too severe, find a safe place to stop and wait until it passes.”

NSW Maritime is advising boaters to stay ashore and avoid non-essential boating activity over the coming days. A coastal hazard warning for damaging surf and gale to storm force south to southwesterly winds extends from the Mid North Coast to the South Coast.

More to come

Originally published as Virgin Australia axes 12 flights amid travel chaos as ‘bomb cyclone’ looms over NSW