Severe Weather Forces Mass Flight Cancellations
Virgin Australia cancelled 12 flights early Tuesday as a powerful weather system moved towards New South Wales. Several more services were delayed as the airline cited safety concerns. A Virgin spokesperson confirmed the cancellations and delays stemmed from “adverse weather in Sydney and Newcastle”.
The airline’s meteorologists are monitoring the system closely to minimise disruption. Virgin stressed guest and crew safety remains their top priority while apologising for the impact on travellers. “We encourage guests travelling today and tomorrow to keep an eye on the status of their flight via our website or app,” the spokesperson said.
Virgin Australia cancels 12 flights amid Bomb Cyclone
Jetstar and Qantas Monitor Weather Impact
Jetstar also cancelled eight flights and is experiencing widespread delays on routes connected to NSW. “Our teams are closely monitoring the situation and working hard to minimise disruption where possible,” a Jetstar spokesperson said. The airline is contacting impacted customers and advising others to check updates before travelling.
Qantas said it was monitoring the event “very closely” and expects “some cancellations” in and out of Sydney. Customers will be contacted directly if their flights are affected. “Safety was always our top priority,” the Qantas spokesperson stated.
Jetstar also cancelled flights amid delay due to the Bomb Cyclone
Sydney Airport Activates Ground Delay Program
Sydney Airport confirmed it has activated its ground delay program, reducing the number of landings allowed. A spokesperson said the airport is monitoring the situation and advised passengers to check with their airline for updates. “There may be impacts to flight schedules,” the airport spokesperson said.
Airservices Australia said aircraft movement rates were reduced Tuesday morning. “We are continuing to monitor the situation and will adjust operations throughout the day as appropriate,” they said. The agency worked overnight to manage the impact on operations.
Cyclone Threatens Travel Across NSW
The ‘bomb cyclone’ system is expected to strike Sydney and the NSW coast from Tuesday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The Bureau of Meteorology warned of significant weather activity, with some areas forecast to receive up to 200mm of rainfall.
Flight routes between Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne are among the worst affected. Adverse weather may worsen, potentially leading to more delays and cancellations across Australia’s east coast.
The Bomb Cyclone strikes across Sydney and parts of NSW, bringing lashings of rain, blistering winds and dangerous conditions
Transport Services Disrupted Across Sydney
Sydney ferries have been severely disrupted due to large ocean swells. Hourly ferry services between Manly and Circular Quay are cancelled until 7.45pm Tuesday. Swells are forecast to reach five metres over the next two days.
Ferries between Palm Beach, Ettalong, and Wagstaffe have been redirected to Patonga until Thursday. Authorities warned the swells will continue to impact operations and urged commuters to plan ahead.
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Train Services Also at Risk
Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink issued weather warnings on Monday evening. “Severe weather is predicted to impact the east coast of NSW tomorrow,” a spokesperson said. “If you’re travelling, take additional care and plan your trip before travelling.”
The announcement warned of potential delays on Sydney’s rail network as extreme weather continues to develop across the state.
School Holiday Travel Under Threat
The disruption comes just days after Sydney Airport warned of record travel volumes during the school holidays. Between 30 June and 20 July, 2025, nearly 2.6 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport.
Domestic terminals T2 and T3 are set to handle over 1.5 million passengers, a 4% increase from 2024. With the weather system escalating, airline and airport staff are bracing for a difficult travel period.
Authorities Urge Caution as Conditions Worsen
The Bureau of Meteorology continues to monitor the bomb cyclone system as it intensifies off the coast. Strong winds and torrential rain are expected to peak over the next 48 hours. The public has been urged to monitor weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel, and allow extra time for journeys.
As the cyclone system tightens its grip on NSW, the full impact on travel remains uncertain. Airlines, airport authorities, and emergency services are working together to manage the situation as safely and efficiently as possible.
