Brisbane Airport has suspended operations ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to make landfall on Australia’s Gold Coast on Friday.
Flights at Brisbane and two local airports, Gold Coast and Ballina, won’t operate until at least Sunday 9 March. Coffs Harbour Airport said it is operating normally, although some Qantas flights have been cancelled. The airport said passengers should check their flight status.
In an update at 5pm local time today (Thursday 6 March), Brisbane Airport said: “All passenger flights in and out of Brisbane Airport have been suspended until further notice.
“Operations at Brisbane Airport will recommence as soon as it is safe to do so, when the weather system has passed and when the Airport’s terminals and runways are deemed safe to re-open.”
It told passengers: “Do not come to the Airport until your airline advises you to.
“Passengers who are currently at the airport for flights that have been cancelled should either make their way home, to a hotel, or to Level 2 of the International Terminal.
“We will provide updates as and when the situation changes. Please stay safe during this time.”
It added: “For passengers with upcoming flights, you will be contacted by your airlines if there are changes to your flights and most airlines have extended the opportunity to change and update flights.”
Virgin Australia has told passengers they can move their flight to a new date within 14 days of their original departure. Guests whose flights have been cancelled can rebook on the next available Virgin Australia service.
Qantas warned of cancellations and schedule changes from today, including international operations at Brisbane suspended until at least midday on Saturday local time and domestic flights until at least Sunday morning local time.
Qantas said Coffs Harbour flights are expected to resume on Friday, while Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay flights are currently operating and will be regularly reviewed.
Emirates said this morning flights between Brisbane and Dubai have been cancelled until 9 March.
“Until further notice, customers who have connecting flights with a final destination of Brisbane, will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin,” Emirates said.
Cathay said all impacted customers have been rebooked and notified. Singapore Airlines said it is contacting all affected customers to inform them about flight cancellations and retimed flights.
See also: Cruise lines change course to avoid Cyclone Alfred
