Queensland airports have reopened but dozens of flights have been cancelled as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred batters Brisbane.
The system made landfall at 12am (AEST) on Friday, before it weakened enough to lose its cyclone status about 6am yesterday as it moved inland.
The cyclonic weather conditions have downed trees and powerlines, with planes being moved out of Brisbane in recent days to avoid significant damage.
Planes were due to fly back today, however, because weather conditions are still too dangerous they have had to turn back to Sydney.
Both Brisbane and Gold Coast Airports have reopened today but travellers are being warned to expect delays.
A total of 59 flights in and out of Brisbane have been cancelled this morning, including up to 20 from the Gold Coast.
Airlines have offered customers flexibility to reschedule flights which have been cancelled due to the cyclone.
What flights have Qantas and Jetstar cancelled?
Qantas and Jetstar have axed a number of domestic flights in and out of south-east Queensland and northern NSW, while some services are delayed.
Lord Howe Island flights were suspended earlier this week as island communities brace for some of the worst of Alfred’s impact.
Qantas had resumed flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Townsville after 6.30am today.
Qantas was forced to suspend operations in Brisbane from mid-afternoon Thursday due to the cyclonic conditions.
“While the cyclone is likely to make landfall from Friday, there will be cancellations today in Brisbane as we work to get people in and out of Brisbane safely whilst also making sure we are best prepared prior to the cyclone making landfall. This includes making sure our people and aircraft are safe,” the spokesperson said.
“We realise that this is a challenging time for many of our customers and are offering additional flexibility including travel credits and fee free date changes to those who have booked flights to or from the impacted areas.”
Qantas flights to and from Sunshine Coast (MCY) and Hervey Bay (HBV) are currently continuing as scheduled.
Have Virgin Australia flights resumed
Virgin Australia paused flights to and from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ballina on Friday and yesterday.
Most Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ballina and Sunshine Coast services resumed after 9.30am (AEST) today.
The airline is in the process of reaching out to passengers impacted by cancelled flights.
“Safety is always our top priority, and our meteorologists continue to closely monitor the weather system,” Virgin Australia said in a statement.
“We are working with all stakeholders including airports, local councils and authorities as the situation evolves.”
Virgin is moving its planes to Melbourne and Sydney and a hangar in Brisbane to avoid any wild weather on Brisbane’s ramp.
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Has REX cancelled flights?
Rex operations to and from Brisbane are due to fully recommence tomorrow.
Today, only limited services are running, but all flights to and from Coffs Harbour have resumed. Services to and from Coffs Harbour will resume o:
Travellers with flights booked before March 4 for travel between March 4 and March 8 to or from Brisbane Airport can rebook or request a travel credit under the airline’s policy.
Passengers are able to rebook on the same route or region for free and travel must be completed by June 30.
No change fees or fare differences will apply.
Travellers who want to cancel their flights can request a travel credit which is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
No rebooking fees will apply when using the credit.
Fare differences will apply if the original fare is unavailable
Passengers will receive text and email notifications from REX with any schedule changes.
