Cyclone Fina Batters Darwin: Airport Closed, Power Outages, and a City Braces for Recovery After Destructive Storm

Published on November 23, 2025

Darwin International Airport remained closed after Cyclone Fina battered the Northern Territory capital overnight. The city, home to approximately 140,000 people, faced destructive winds and heavy rain as the category three tropical cyclone swept through the region. The storm left behind a path of disruption and served as a grim reminder of the devastation caused by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. While operations at the airport were temporarily halted, authorities and emergency services began the critical work of assessing the damage caused by the cyclone’s impact.

Cyclone Fina: A Powerful Force

Cyclone Fina, classified as a category three storm, packed powerful gusts of wind that reached up to 205 kilometers per hour (127 miles per hour). The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that the storm had passed Darwin late on Saturday evening, with its strong winds and intense rainfall continuing to impact the region throughout Sunday. As Fina moved away from the city, authorities kept residents informed about the ongoing weather conditions, urging caution in the face of persisting strong winds and heavy rain.

For Darwin’s residents, Cyclone Fina evoked painful memories of Cyclone Tracy, which devastated the city on Christmas Day in 1974. Tracy, one of Australia’s most destructive natural disasters, caused widespread damage, claiming the lives of 66 people. The historical significance of Tracy remains etched in the minds of many in Darwin, making Fina’s arrival even more daunting for the community.

Airport Closure and Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Darwin International Airport, which had shut down in anticipation of Cyclone Fina’s arrival, remained closed as a precautionary measure. The airport management, in an official update, assured the public that they were working to restore operations as quickly and safely as possible. As of Sunday morning, strong prevailing winds and continuing rainfall still posed significant challenges for both the airport and the surrounding areas.

In the aftermath of the cyclone, Darwin International Airport focused on ensuring that all safety protocols were in place to guarantee the safe resumption of services. However, the authorities emphasized that any reopening would depend on the prevailing weather conditions and the safety of the airport’s operations.

Public Safety Concerns: Downed Powerlines and Flooded Areas

As the storm moved away from Darwin, emergency agencies issued strong warnings to residents, advising them to stay clear of downed powerlines and other potential hazards. The SecureNT emergency service agency advised the public to avoid any unnecessary travel or sightseeing, as many areas remained unsafe due to the damage caused by Fina’s high winds and heavy rain.

Power outages were reported across parts of Darwin, with the extent of the damage still being assessed. The government-owned Power and Water Corporation confirmed that it was still in the early stages of evaluating the damage to power lines and other infrastructure. The exact number of residents affected by the power outages was not yet clear, but damage assessment teams were already out in force, working to restore essential services as quickly as possible.

A City on Edge: Reflections of Cyclone Tracy

Cyclone Fina’s impact on Darwin was not just a matter of infrastructure damage and power outages; it also served as an emotional reminder of the city’s past. The catastrophic events of Cyclone Tracy, which struck more than 50 years ago, remain fresh in the collective memory of Darwin’s residents. Tracy destroyed much of the city, leaving a lasting scar that still affects the way the community responds to natural disasters.

The storm brought back fears of widespread devastation, and many residents, particularly those who lived through Tracy, found themselves bracing for the worst. While Fina did not cause the same level of destruction as Tracy, its winds and heavy rain caused significant disruption, especially to the city’s transportation infrastructure and public services.

The Aftermath: Damage Assessments and Ongoing Clean-Up

With the storm now passing, the focus has shifted to assessing the damage caused by Cyclone Fina and beginning the long process of recovery. Local authorities are working diligently to clear debris from roads, restore power to affected areas, and ensure that essential services are back online as soon as possible.

The clean-up process is expected to be a gradual one, as the heavy rainfall and strong winds have left many areas in a state of disarray. Roads remain blocked, power outages persist, and public services are still being restored to full capacity. While the situation is challenging, the response from both local authorities and emergency services has been swift and organized, with teams working around the clock to mitigate the impact on residents and businesses.

Tourism and Business Disruption in Darwin

Cyclone Fina’s arrival disrupted tourism and business operations in Darwin, with the closure of the airport and the impact on public services. Tourism in the Northern Territory capital, which had already been recovering from the impacts of previous weather events, has once again been set back by the storm. While the city is known for its resilience in the face of adversity, Cyclone Fina has added to the challenges faced by local businesses, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

In the aftermath of the storm, tourism operators are working to assess the impact on their businesses. Many operators have had to cancel or reschedule bookings due to the temporary closure of the airport and the ongoing clean-up efforts. However, it is expected that as the recovery process continues, Darwin’s tourism industry will slowly return to normal, as the city has a long history of rebuilding and recovering after natural disasters.

Conclusion: Darwin’s Resilience in the Face of Cyclone Fina

While Cyclone Fina has caused significant disruption to Darwin, its impact has been less severe than initially feared. The closure of the airport, power outages, and damage to infrastructure have all posed challenges for the city. However, Darwin’s resilience and the swift response from emergency services have ensured that recovery efforts are already underway.

As authorities continue their work to restore power, clear roads, and reopen the airport, Darwin’s residents are once again proving their ability to adapt and rebuild in the face of adversity. While the storm has left a temporary mark on the city, Darwin will undoubtedly emerge stronger, continuing its legacy as one of Australia’s most vibrant and resilient cities.