Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Travel in Australia, New Zealand in Disarray as Qantas, Air New Zealand and others Face Eleven Flight Cancellations and Hundreds of Delays across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland and Whangarei
Published on
December 29, 2025
Flight networks across Australia and New Zealand are currently facing a period of operational turbulence. Recent data confirms that major travel hubs are struggling with a sudden surge in scheduling conflicts. Passengers in Sydney and Melbourne now face significant wait times as ground teams work to clear backlog of flights. Meanwhile, travelers in Adelaide are dealing with similar disruptions to their regional itineraries. Across the Tasman, the situation in Auckland remains equally challenging for those heading to international or domestic gates. Even regional connections in Whangarei have not been spared from these sudden cancellations. Primary carriers like Qantas and Air New Zealand are at the center of this logistical issue. This report explores the specific impact on each city and details how these disruptions are reshaping travel plans across the region today.
The scale of the disruption is most visible within the primary gateways of Australia and New Zealand.
In Sydney, the situation remains tense as 95 delays and 2 cancellations were documented. As one of the busiest transit points in the Southern Hemisphere, the ripple effect of nearly a hundred delayed flights at Sydney is felt across the entire domestic network.
Further south, Melbourne Tullamarine has emerged as the most heavily impacted site in terms of sheer volume. A staggering 162 delays were reported today, alongside 2 cancellations. Meanwhile, in Adelaide, the figures are more contained but still notable, with 24 delays and 1 cancellation recorded.
Across the Tasman Sea, the travel corridors of New Zealand are facing similar challenges. Auckland has reported 4 cancellations and 94 delays, making it the most affected city in the country. Additionally, the regional hub of Whangarei has seen 2 cancellations today, though no additional delays were reported for that specific location. The combined statistics from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland and Whangarei paint a picture of a regional network under immense operational pressure.
The disruption is spread across several major carriers, with Qantas and Air New Zealand bearing the brunt of the scheduling changes. In Sydney, Qantas was identified as a primary affected airline, with 2 cancellations and 14 delays attributed to the carrier. The airline’s operations in Melbourne were also hampered, where 16 delays and 1 cancellation were noted.
In New Zealand, Air New Zealand has faced significant hurdles. At the Auckland terminal, 2 cancellations and 52 delays were linked to the national carrier, while its operations in Whangarei accounted for 2 cancellations. Other carriers have not been immune; Alliance Airlines recorded a total of 2 cancellations and 3 delays split between Melbourne and Adelaide. Furthermore, American Airlines saw 1 cancellation in Auckland, though no further delays were reported for the US-based carrier at that site.
Beyond these specific figures, delays were being experienced by several other Airlines, like Jetstar, QantasLink, Regional Express Airlines, Virgin Australia, Air Chathams, Fiji Airways and more.
The data indicates that Qantas remains affected in both Sydney and Auckland, reflecting the interconnected nature of the trans-Tasman routes. For travelers in Australia and New Zealand, the concentration of these delays among the largest carriers means that a significant percentage of the flying public is currently impacted.
The concentration of flight issues in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland and Whangarei is expected to have a tangible effect on the local tourism sectors. In Australia, the high volume of delays in Melbourne and Sydney may lead to shortened hotel stays and missed tour bookings, as travelers arrive hours later than planned. As these cities serve as the primary entry points for international visitors, the delays can create a “domino effect” on itineraries involving regional travel.
In New Zealand, the 4 cancellations in Auckland and 2 in Whangarei directly hinder the movement of tourists between the North Island’s major city and its northern regions. The tourism industry relies heavily on the fluidity of movement between Auckland and regional destinations like Whangarei. When flight schedules are compromised, the local hospitality and service industries in both Australia and New Zealand often see a temporary decline in foot traffic and a rise in booking rescheduling.
For those currently caught in the disruption across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland or Whangarei, several steps can be taken to manage the situation. Passengers are advised to monitor their airline’s mobile applications and official websites for the most recent updates on flight status. Because the delays in Melbourne and Auckland are particularly high, real-time tracking is essential for avoiding unnecessary wait times at the terminal.
Communication with airline customer service is recommended to explore rebooking options, especially for the eleven cancelled flights across the region. Travelers in Australia and New Zealand should also review their travel insurance policies to determine if they are eligible for compensation regarding meals or accommodation necessitated by these extensive delays. As the situation evolves in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland and Whangarei, patience and proactive communication remain the most effective tools for the modern traveler.
-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.
