Huge delays and cancellations at Sydney Airport due to storms

Airports around the country are now feeling the hurt as wild storms continue to wreck havoc in Sydney.

Passengers around the country are now facing flight delays and cancellations as major disruptions at Sydney airport sets off a ripple effect across the network.

A single runway is in use as Sydney Airport and close to 100 flights have been cancelled so far today, including about 90 domestic flights and four international flights, due to wild storms and heavy rain.

While flights are continuing, more cancellations and delays are expected in Sydney’s domestic and international terminals.

Flight delays and cancellations have also been reported at Melbourne airport as the Sydney chaos effects the wider network.

“We would expect that to just roll out all day until Sydney can catch up,” a Melbourne Airport spokeswoman told the Herald Sun.

Passengers queue to check in at Sydney Airport on Wednesday. Picture: AAP/Brendan Esposito

Flights have been delayed and about 16 cancelled in and out of Brisbane airport.

Flights to Sydney and Canberra are also heavily impacted.

Earlier, a Sydney Airport media spokeswoman confirmed to news.com.au the airport was still in operation but there were delays and likely cancellations.

“People need to check with their airlines before they come to the airport,” she said.

Airline have faced delays disembarking passengers from planes due to wild weather on the tarmac.

There are already some flight cancellations and delays due to weather at Sydney Airport the advice is to check with your individual airline BEFORE heading to the airport today @SydneyAirport @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/4UTfjeLf8r

— Zara James (@Zara_James9) November 27, 2018

LIVE Inside @SydneyAirport #SydneyStorm https://t.co/8Fuq7WRtJo

— Ricardo Gonçalves (@BUSINESSricardo) November 27, 2018

Activity returning on @SydneyAirport runways #SydneyStorm pic.twitter.com/W4M0MEM8pc

— Ricardo Gonçalves (@BUSINESSricardo) November 27, 2018

âš We are currently experiencing flight delays and cancellations in Domestic and International terminals. Please contact your airline for updated flight information before travelling to Sydney Airport.

— Sydney Airport ✈️ (@SydneyAirport) November 27, 2018

Ms Tynan said the airport had been operating with just one runway on Friday as well and part of Thursday.

“The weather has been crazy,” she said.

Extra teams have been put on to help assist passengers.

More than one month’s worth of rain has fallen in two hours across Sydney this morning with authorities pleading with commuters to consider staying at home.

Passengers wait for flights. Picture: AAP/Brendan Esposito

Sydney weather: extraordinary images emerge from torrential storm

Between 5.30am and 7.30am 90mm of rain fell on the main Sydney weather centre — the average for November is 67mm. Half of that fell in just 30 minutes.

The weather is affecting Qantas, Virgin Australia, Tigerair and Jetstar flights in and out of Sydney.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline before arriving at the airport, and make sure the contact details in their bookings are up to date in case they need to be reached.

Earlier, passengers struggled to access the airport by road after O’Riordan St at Mascot was closed this morning due to flooding. It has now reopened.

Heavy rain, strong wind and storms in #Sydney today will impact all airlines across the day 🌧. Stay dry, and if you’re flying today, make sure you check your flight status before heading to the airport https://t.co/9O2uaiU6j5

— Virgin Australia (@VirginAustralia) November 27, 2018

Severe weather is impacting flights in Sydney. If you’re flying with us you can check the status of your flight here https://t.co/2D8KsyvhoJ

— Jetstar Airways (@JetstarAirways) November 27, 2018

Heavy rain, strong winds and possible thunderstorms are forecast on the east coast today due to the #sydneystorm. If you’re scheduled to fly today please check our Flight Status page before heading to the airport: https://t.co/3SbX5MzmXD

— Tigerair Australia (@TigerairAU) November 27, 2018

MORE BAD NEWS FOR DELAYED PASSENGERS

As passengers face long delays and flight cancellations due to the storms, those without travel insurance have little hope of being compensated for their disrupted travel plans.

When flight delays are caused by something outside an airline’s control, such as bad weather, airlines can help passengers get to their destination but they are not liable to offer compensation.

In those circumstances, travel insurance purchased in advance may help cover costs of accommodation, travel and meals.

Airlines are only liable to offer compensation if the travel disruption is caused by something under their control, like mechanical or technical issues.

Passengers check in for flights despite long delays on Wednesday. Picture: AAP/Brendan Esposito

Natalie Ball, director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, said under certain circumstances, like storms and flooding, travellers could turn to comprehensive travel insurance to recoup flight costs and prepaid accommodation expenses if their flights are delayed or cancelled.

“If you do experience a flight cancellation due to bad weather such as storms and flooding, travel insurance will cover your prepaid expenses should you be unable to receive compensation from the airline first,” Ms Ball said.

“You’ll also be reimbursed for any additional expenses such as your meals and accommodation if you’re delayed for more than a six-hour period.”

Australian airlines are not necessarily obligated to account for the care of delayed passengers. However, Virgin and Qantas provide reasonable meal and accommodation costs until travellers reach their final destination.

Passengers claiming compensation for missed or cancelled flights will need written proof of the travel disruption from the airline, Ms Ball said.