Cairns Airport has reopened after severe flood conditions forced it to close

A major airport that was severely affected by floods has just reopened in time for Christmas and New Year travel plans.

Cairns Airport has reopened after travel plans were thrown into chaos due to severe weather conditions.

The aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper has continued to batter far north Queensland with a flood emergency forcing Cairns Airport — a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef –

to close on Sunday night.

However, it announced on Tuesday morning its aerodrome is now serviceable for aircraft movements following a huge clean-up effort.

Severe flooding forced Cairns Airport to close – but as of Tuesday, it has reopened following an extensive effort to pump water out, clear and inspect the runway. Picture: Facebook

“We are pleased this morning to further confirm that the Cairns Airport runway is clear and serviceable, and we are operational today,” the update on its Facebook page read.

“We met with our airline partners and other key stakeholders a short time ago. Passenger flights will recommence at Cairns Airport this morning.”

It urged passengers with booked flights to contact airlines directly for information about specific flights and scheduling.

Images surfaced online shows planes submerged in floodwaters on the runway at Cairns Airport. Picture: Facebook/ Joseph Dietz

“Airlines are determining their own flight operations and schedules.”

“We thank you for your patience and wish to commend our airline partners for their commitment to restoring services to our region as soon as possible.”

News.com.au understands Qantas and Jetstar are resuming services today with both airlines offering flexibility for those who no longer wish to travel, including fee-free refunds, travel credits or date changes.

Qantas and Jetstar will recommence services today with passengers urged to keep an eye on the Qantas and Jetstar apps for more information. Picture: Brendan Radke

Virgin Australia will also resume flights from approximately midday today, December 19, local time.

“This decision follows a further safety review and confirmation from Cairns Airport the runway is now clear and safe for operations,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson told news.com.au.

“We are working hard to help those passengers who have been disrupted to their final destinations.”

The airline has put on an additional flight, as well as larger aircraft this week to help get passengers to their final destinations.

They are also offering increased flexibility to those guests whose flights have been impacted by Cyclone Jasper and the recent related flooding at Cairns Airport.

News.com.au understands guests booked to travel to or from Cairns between December 12 and 24 can move their flight to another date within 14 days of their original travel date at no cost (subject to seat availability in the same cabin at time of rebooking request).

The airline will also waive change fees for guests who choose to move their flight to a different destination for travel within 14 days of their original travel date (fare difference may apply).

Virgin Australia will also resume flights from approximately midday today, December 19, local time. Picture: iStock

Meanwhile, if a guest’s flight has been cancelled and a suitable recovery option is not available, they can request a refund or travel credit for the price they paid for their impacted flight, as per fare conditions and in line with the airline’s Guest Compensation Policy.

If customers need to make changes to their bookings, they’re urged to contact Virgin’s Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 or their travel agent.

The reopening comes after an “extensive effort” from the Cairns Airport team, with support from a number of external businesses, who worked on Monday to pump water out, clear and inspect the runway, along with its lighting and infrastructure.

“We have received a number of inquiries from customers who have vehicles parked at Cairns Airport,” the update continued.

“The car parks at our domestic and international terminals were not adversely impacted during the flooding event.”

Photos have since emerged online of planes submerged in floodwaters on the runway at the airport.

A regional flood expert said the current flooding is the highest since records began more than a century ago, as ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper continues to wreak havoc.

James Cook University’s Professor Jonathan Nott told ABC Far North that the flood is now up to 40 per cent higher than the 1977 flood, previously the biggest on record for the region.

“It’s a very, very serious flood,” Professor Nott said.

“1977 was previously the largest flood in the gauge record, and this one has exceeded the 1977 record by around about 30-40 per cent again on top of that, so it’s a very substantial flood.”