Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Thousands of Travelers Affected Across Australia and New Zealand as Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand and More Lead to 50 Cancellations and 610 Delays at Melbourne, Wellington, Ayers Rock, Huntley and Whangarei
Published on
October 20, 2025
Thousands of travelers are facing major disruptions today as Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, and several other airlines deal with a significant number of cancellations and delays across Australia and New Zealand. These delays have left travelers stranded and uncertain about their next steps, affecting multiple airports, including Melbourne, Wellington, Ayers Rock, Huntley, and Whangarei. With 50 cancellations and 610 delays, the travel chaos is widespread. Passengers have been advised to stay updated with their airline’s communications for potential rebookings or alternative travel options. The widespread cancellations and delays are primarily due to bad weather, which has severely impacted flight schedules across multiple airports in both countries.
The disruptions are felt across major and regional airports, highlighting the challenges facing both local and international flights. As many travelers experience long waiting times and uncertainty, it’s essential for them to remain proactive and check flight statuses regularly. This growing disruption is shaking up travel plans for those flying with Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, and other airlines today.
Airports and Cities Affected by Delays and Cancellations
In Australia, several major airports have experienced significant disruptions. Melbourne Tullamarine, one of the busiest airports, has reported a total of 179 delays and 15 cancellations. Though as time passed the airport returned to its normal operations. Similarly, Sydney has seen 175 delays and 9 cancellations. Brisbane, another key airport, has experienced 88 delays and 7 cancellations. Canberra International also reported 20 delays and 6 cancellations. Hobart International recorded 28 delays and 2 cancellations, while Launceston and Perth International had 1 cancellation each. These disruptions have led to a ripple effect, impacting domestic and international travelers across the region.
In New Zealand, Auckland has seen 80 delays and 4 cancellations, while Christchurch International recorded 37 delays and 4 cancellations. Dunedin International had relatively fewer disruptions, with 3 delays and 1 cancellation. These figures show that airports in both countries have been significantly affected by today’s events, with travelers facing varying degrees of inconvenience.
Total Delays and Cancellations Today
According to the latest data, the disruptions today have resulted in a total of 610 delays and 50 cancellations across these major airports. Melbourne Tullamarine and Sydney have borne the brunt of these delays, with Melbourne recording the highest number of delays. The cancellations, though lower in number, have still had a notable impact, leaving passengers with fewer options for rescheduling their travel.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For passengers affected by today’s disruptions, staying informed is key. Travelers should keep an eye on the airline’s website or mobile app for real-time updates on their flight status. Airlines like Qantas, Jetstar, and Air New Zealand frequently update their platforms with important information, including changes to flight schedules and rebooking options. Passengers should also reach out to the airline’s customer service if they haven’t received timely updates.
In the event of a cancellation, passengers often have the option to rebook their flights on the next available service. It is important to check with the airline’s customer support about rebooking policies, and whether compensation or vouchers are available due to the disruption. Additionally, passengers may be eligible for a full refund in some cases, so it’s worth exploring all available options.
Given the high number of delays and cancellations, airports such as Sydney, Melbourne Tullamarine, and Brisbane are expected to be crowded. Passengers are advised to arrive early and prepare for long wait times. Those affected may want to look for ways to make their wait more comfortable, such as accessing airport lounges or taking advantage of available amenities.
For passengers in smaller cities like Hobart, Canberra, or Launceston, where fewer flight options might be available due to cancellations, considering alternative transport options such as buses or trains could be helpful. These could offer quicker routes to your final destination, especially if flights are delayed or cancelled for an extended period.
Travel insurance can also play a crucial role during such disruptions. For travelers who have purchased insurance, it’s a good idea to contact the insurance provider to see if compensation is available for the incurred expenses, including accommodation and meals due to delays. Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for situations like this, helping to ease the financial impact of travel disruptions.
Conclusion
Today’s travel disruptions have caused significant inconvenience for passengers across major airports in Australia and New Zealand. With 610 delays and 50 cancellations, it is crucial for affected travelers to stay informed, keep track of their flight status, and explore rebooking or refund options. Passengers flying with Qantas, Jetstar, or Air New Zealand should take extra care in managing their travel plans, especially during this busy and chaotic period. By staying proactive and utilizing the available resources, passengers can better navigate the challenges brought on by today’s disruptions.
Source: FlightAware
Image Credit: Qantas
