Gusty winds contribute to flight delays at Sydney airport

Damaging winds that have caused major delays at Sydney’s airport are due to ease by this evening, but the Bureau of Meteorology says they’ll stick around for the weekend.

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Damaging winds that have caused major delays at Sydney’s airport are due to ease by this evening, but the Bureau of Meteorology says they’ll stick around for the weekend.

With only one runway in operation, the travel plans of thousands of passengers have been disrupted today, with nearly 30 flights cancelled and numerous delays due to the strong winds over the state’s southeast, stretching from the Victorian border up to the Hunter region.

The winds are part of a massive weather system that threw a blanket of dust over Sydney yesterday, and is set to generate more unusual conditions in NSW - including possible blizzards in the Alpine areas.

Sydney Airport has been restricted to using only one runway, impacting inbound flights and departures.

Up to 28 domestic flights have been cancelled and there are numerous delays, including international flights.

Jetstar, Virgin, Qantas and TigerAir have all been effected. “Our priority is getting as many people as we can to where they need to be and we have all staff on,” a Virgin Australia spokeswoman said.

Bureau meteorologist Rose Barr said Sydney Airport had been hit with “fairly significant” winds, with gusts reaching up to 70km/h.

Winds are expected to ease by Friday evening but will stick around for the weekend, she said.

The winds are part of a massive weather system that threw a blanket of dust over Sydney on Thursday, and is set to generate more unusual conditions in NSW — including possible blizzards in the Alpine areas.

Meanwhile, damaging winds with gusts of up to 120km/h are expected east of Orbost, in Victoria, on Friday.

Strong winds and dust storms across western Sydney. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The State Emergency Service has urged locals to move cars away from trees, secure loose items and keep clear of fallen power lines.

Further south, Tasmanian police are dealing with several calls about fallen trees in north-eastern parts of the state, with drivers urged to take extra care on the roads.