140 Sydney flights axed amid wild weather, big travel insurance warning issued

At least 140 flights in and out of Sydney Airport have been cancelled as a travel insurance expert issues a warning to those caught up in the wild weather.

At least 140 flights in and out of Sydney Airport on Wednesday have been cancelled amid wild weather.

Just after noon, the arrivals and departures for Australia’s busiest airport board showed 62 domestic departures, 69 domestic arrivals, six international departures and three international arrivals had been axed.

This is on top of the 145 flights in and out of Sydney that were cancelled on Tuesday.

Sydney Airport is operating on its parallel North-South runways but Airservices Australia is not allowing the East-West runway to operate.

“The ongoing severe weather means there may be impacts to flight schedules today, including cancellations and delays, and we recommend passengers check their airline regarding the status of their flight,” a Sydney Airport spokesperson said.

“Sydney Airport is working closely with airlines and Airservices Australia to manage the impact of these challenging conditions and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

At least 140 Sydney flights were cancelled on July 2 after 145 were axed on July 1. Picture David Gray / AFP

Sydney Airport is just two days away from its busiest day for domestic travel with the start of the winter school holidays.

Almost 2.6 million passengers are expected to travel through the terminals between Monday, June 30 and Sunday, July 20.

Some 81,000 domestic passengers are expected to pass through this Friday alone.

Natalie Ball, director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au expects there will be “a sizeable number of claims” due to the severe weather event.

She warned that those who rushed to buy travel insurance after news of the storm broke could find themselves in trouble.

“Travel insurance typically only covers unforeseen events,” Ms Ball said. “Therefore, travellers who panic bought their policies on Monday morning after the bomb cyclone became widely reported are unlikely to be covered.”

She said wild weather and natural disasters were exactly why Australians are advised to take out travel insurance even when travelling domestically, and as soon as they book their trip.

“Travellers should be aware that if compensation is offered by an airline, it can’t be claimed again through travel insurance,” Ms Ball added.

“Additionally, if your flight has been delayed or cancelled, you will need written proof from your airline to support a travel insurance claim along with advice on whether they are providing compensation.”

She recommends travellers keep records of any out-of-pocket expenses.

“If your trip is delayed, hold on to all receipts for purchases you make. Without proof of your spending, you may not be able to recover your costs,” she said.

The NSW coast has been smashed by intense wind and rain. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

How the airlines are responding

Jetstar has been the most clear on what options impacted customers have for this particular weather event.

If a service is cancelled due to the severe weather conditions, affected customers will be given options of an alternative flight, a free move up to five days, or a flight credit voucher.

Customers who are booked but no longer wish to travel to or from Sydney and Newcastle on Wednesday or Thursday also have the options of a free move up to five days or a flight credit voucher.

“We know flight delays and cancellations are incredibly frustrating, however safety is always our top priority,” Jetstar said in a statement.

news.com.au can reveal Qantas passengers can rebook on another Qantas or Jetstar flight within four days of the original booking or if a suitable alternative option is not available they are entitled to a refund.

The national carrier said it was continuing to monitor the conditions and was working to re-accommodate impacted customers as quickly as possible.

Virgin Australia said its meteorologists were also monitoring the weather system in Sydney closely and the airline was “working hard to re-accommodate impacted guests”.

“We encourage all guests travelling today and tomorrow to keep an eye on the status of their flight via our website or app prior to travel for the latest information,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

The airline directed news.com.au to its Guest Compensation Policy, which says impacted customers will be moved to a different service without charge, or they can request a travel credit or a refund of the price they paid for the impacted flight.