Australian airports on lockdown as Cyclone Alfred heads for east coast
A category two storm heading for the east coast of Australia has forced airports to close and airlines to cancel flights in preparation for up to 80 mph winds.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is slowly moving towards the southeast Queensland coast and is expected to hit land during the night on March 7, 2025, or early the following morning.
In preparation for the storm multiple airports have gone into lockdown and airlines including Qantas and Virgin Australia have cancelled flights until March 9, 2025.
On March 6, 2025, Brisbane Airport (BNE) said it was suspending all flights until further notice and will recommence operations “as soon as it is safe to do so” and when the weather system has passed.
Gold Coast Airport (OOL) also closed its terminals in response to Cyclone Alfred and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) said commercial flights have been canceled for around 72 hours.
*UPDATED IMAGE*Tropical #CycloneAlfred is slowly moving towards the #SEQld coast is expected to cross the coast Friday night or early Saturday morning, most likely between Noosa and Coolangatta. Latest: https://t.co/4KFWWiahr3 pic.twitter.com/v6gspYqS8b— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 6, 2025 Sydney Airport, which is not expected to be significantly affected by the storm, advised passengers travelling this week through Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Lord Howe Island or Maroochydore may have their flight plans disrupted.
Qantas is advising passengers scheduled to fly with the airline that international flights from Brisbane will be suspended until at least midday on March 8, 2025, and that domestic operations will not be up and running until at least Sunday morning.
The carrier said flights operating from Gold Coast Airport and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport will be suspended until at least Sunday morning.
“We’re closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred off the coast of South-East Queensland and are working alongside airport authorities, air traffic control and airport services providers to ensure any impact to schedules are clearly communicated to customers and our people,” Qantas said.
In a similar move, Virgin Australia is suspending flights from Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ballina until March 9, 2025. Jetstar also said flights from those three airports could be cancelled until Sunday.
“Safety is always our top priority, and our meteorologists continue to closely monitor the weather system. We are working with all stakeholders including airports, local councils, and authorities as the situation evolves,” Qantas said.
The Australian Government’s Bureau of Meteorology has advised that a warning zone runs from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in New South Wales, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina but not including Grafton.
“People between Cape Moreton and Cape Byron, including the Morton Bay Islands should immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property. People between Cape Byron and Grafton in New South Wales, as well as Brisbane and Double Island Point in Queensland should take precautions and listen to the next advice,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.
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The post Australian airports on lockdown as Cyclone Alfred heads for east coast appeared first on AeroTime.
A category two storm heading for the east coast of Australia has forced airports to close and airlines…
The post Australian airports on lockdown as Cyclone Alfred heads for east coast appeared first on AeroTime.
