Flight delays, disruptions at Sydney Airport due to weather

Dozens of flights out of Sydney Airport have already been cancelled with more disruptions predicted due to poor weather conditions.

Travellers taking advantage of the public holiday today are being warned to check their flight status due to bad weather in Sydney.

More than 40 flights out of Sydney Airport have already been cancelled due to poor weather conditions, according to 2GB, with more delays predicted.

“In anticipation of bad weather today, domestic airlines advised overnight that some services would be affected,” a Sydney Airport spokesperson told news.com.au.

“Passengers are advised to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight.”

Delays are expected at Sydney Airport today due to bad weather. Picture: Nine News

The spokesperson recommended passengers who are travelling today to arrive two hours prior to domestic flight departures, and three hours for international services.

Meanwhile, Qantas also warned some of its flights may be disrupted.

“As a result of strong winds and bad weather being experienced in Sydney, some inbound and outbound flights are impacted. To find if your flight has been affected, check the Qantas app,” it said in a tweet.

BREAKING NEWS

Wild weather is affecting flights at Sydney Airport while thousands of Australians are on flood watch across four states. pic.twitter.com/4tYFLqWd6U

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) September 21, 2022

It comes as a mad rush of travellers are expected at major airports across the country for school holidays, the AFL Grand Final and the public holiday — the National Day of Mourning.

Nine News reported that Sydney Airport’s domestic terminal is “very busy” with an estimated 100 extra staff (wearing green vests) hired to assist passengers to their gates as soon as possible.

Sydney Airport was advised by domestic airlines that some services would be affected. Picture: Nine News

More staff wearing green vests have been hired at Sydney Airport to help passengers. Picture: Nine News

On Wednesday, the airport held its second jobs fair at the T1 International terminal to help recruit for thousands of jobs.

More than 36 of Sydney Airport’s major businesses were onsite to meet with candidates seeking roles across major airlines, luxury retail stores, hotels, baggage handling, security, ground services, government agencies, hospitality, transport and construction.

As a result of strong winds and bad weather being experienced in Sydney, some inbound and outbound flights are impacted. To find if your flight has been affected, check the Qantas app.

— Qantas (@Qantas) September 21, 2022

The major airport is also forecasting nearly 2.4 million passengers to pass through its terminals from now until Sunday, October 9 — surpassing the 2.1 million passengers that were welcomed during the equivalent 21-day school holiday period from Monday, June 27 to Sunday 17.

“All of the organisations across the airport have been working hard to rebuild their workforces and we are seeing improved operational performance on most days, but labour shortages are an ongoing challenge with around 4000 open roles across the airport,” Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said.

“The school holidays will test us again, and we are expecting the terminals to be busy during peak periods, especially Thursday, Friday and Monday mornings.

“We will have more than 60 additional customer service staff in the terminals every day guiding passengers and bringing people forward in order of flight priority at peak times.”