Numerous international flights serving Brisbane airport have been cancelled for up to two days ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred striking Australia’s east coast.
Airlines taking preemtive action include Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines together with domestic-focussed Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
The Australian Meteorology Bureau warned that the category 2 cyclone was moving towards the southeast Queensland coast with the potential for damaging and destructive wind gusts, a dangerous storm tide and intense rainfall which may lead to life-threatening flash floods.
“The centre of Alfred is expected to cross the coast very early Saturday morning, most likely between Noosa and Coolangatta,” the forecast said.
Storm Alfred would be the first tropical cyclone to make landfall in that part of Australia since 1974, according to the Met Bureau.
Brisbane airport operations continued until the last scheduled airline service at 4pm local time today (Thursday).
The airport’s terminals will then be open “while passengers and essential airport workers need shelter, for emergency and aeromedical services, for defence operations, and while it is safe to do so”.
Qantas suspended international flights to and from Brisbane until at least midday on Saturday.
“We’re closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred off the coast of southeast 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,” the airline said.
“While the cyclone is expected to make landfall from Friday, there will be cancellations and schedule changes from Thursday 6 March 2025 .”
Emirates has cancelled four flights between Dubai and Brisbane and Singapore Airlines six between Singapore and the Australian airport. Two others have been re-timed.