Windy weather predictions sees airlines axe Sydney flights

Airlines proactively axed 59 departures and a similar number of arrivals in and out of Sydney ahead of predicted high winds.

Increasing winds were expected to result in single runway operations at Sydney Airport. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

More than 100 flights in and out of Sydney Airport have been cancelled after Airservices warned airlines strong winds would likely result in single runway operations on Thursday morning.

Airlines proactively axed 59 departures and a similar number of arrivals to avoid having passengers turn up at the airport only to find their flight had been cancelled.

Although the airport was currently operating with two runways, increasing winds were expected to result in single runway operations in the next hour.

A Sydney Airport spokeswoman confirmed the situation.

“Yesterday evening Airservices Australia advised airlines of the possibility of single runway operations today due to potential strong winds at the airport,” the spokeswoman said.

“As a result, a number of airlines have decided to consolidate services.”

She said passengers travelling on Thursday should get in touch with their airline to check the status of their flights.

A Virgin Australia spokesman said of the 38 flights it had cancelled, 36 had since been recovered on to a same day service.

“We sincerely apologise to our guests for the inconvenience,” the spokesman said.

“Further delays and cancellations may be required throughout the day so we encourage guests to check the status of their flight prior to travel.”

An Airservices Australia spokeswoman said the forecast of strong westerly crosswinds had prompted the warning single runway operations were likely to be needed at Sydney Airport.

She said the decision was “purely weather and safety related to safeguard the travelling public”.

“This adheres to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety regulations for runway usage in crosswinds,” the spokeswoman said.