Thousands of Passengers Grounded in Australia as Sydney, Melbourne And Brisbane Airports Delay 601 Flights and Cancel 65, Disrupting Qantas, Air Canada, Emirates, United, Qatar Airways, and Others Across Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Manila, Dubai and More

Published on February 27, 2026

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Thousands of passengers are stranded across Australia as severe weather conditions wreak havoc at major airports in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. With 601 flight delays and 65 cancellations reported, the disruptions are causing chaos for travelers, particularly those flying with airlines like Qantas, Air Canada, Emirates, United, and Qatar Airways. The intense rainfall and thunderstorms, which have led to dangerous flying and road conditions, are not only affecting domestic flights but are also disrupting international routes to destinations including Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Manila, and Dubai. With the storm system expected to continue through the weekend, travelers are advised to stay informed and plan for further delays.

The Australian aviation sector is facing significant disruptions yesterday, as severe weather conditions wreak havoc across the country. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports are among the hardest hit, with a staggering 601 flight delays and 65 cancellations. Airlines such as Qantas, Air Canada, Emirates, United Airlines, and Qatar Airways have all been affected, leading to widespread chaos not only in Australia but also in international airports across Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Manila, Dubai, and several others.

This article will take a closer look at the scale of these disruptions, the reasons behind them, and the routes impacted by the severe weather conditions currently sweeping across the country.

Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc on Australian Airports

yesterday, a massive weather system has struck central Australia, severely impacting travel plans for thousands of passengers. Weather warnings have been issued for large areas, including southern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and parts of South Australia. These storms, which are forecasted to continue through the weekend and into next week, have led to flash flooding, road closures, and dangerous driving conditions, all of which have forced significant delays and cancellations at major airports in Australia.

Heavy rainfall, combined with severe thunderstorms, has created chaos at Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports, disrupting flight schedules and causing ripple effects across both domestic and international routes. The ongoing weather system, moving from the northern regions of the country southward, has already dumped heavy rainfall, with some areas reporting as much as 100 mm of rain in just six hours.

Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms Causing Major Delays and Cancellations

The majority of the delays and cancellations yesterday, are being attributed to severe weather warnings issued for various regions. These include flash floods and thunderstorms, which have led to hazardous conditions at airports. According to meteorological data, the weather is expected to worsen, with rainfall totals ranging from 50 mm to 100 mm across parts of southern South Australia, northern Victoria, and New South Wales.

As a result, airports in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have seen widespread disruptions. Passengers traveling through these airports yesterday have been forced to deal with delays and cancellations. The weather is particularly affecting airlines that operate multiple international and domestic flights, such as Qantas, Emirates, Jetstar, Air Canada, and Qatar Airways.

Flight Cancellations and Delays by Airline

The severe weather has disrupted major airlines, with some experiencing significant flight cancellations and delays:

Passengers flying with these carriers are facing major disruptions, especially as airlines struggle to cope with the severe weather conditions.

Flight Cancellations and Delays by Airport

The weather conditions have also heavily impacted specific airports across the country. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports are bearing the brunt of the delays and cancellations. These airports handle both domestic and international flights, leading to ripple effects on global travel schedules.

Impact on Global Flights: Destinations Affected

While the disruptions primarily affect domestic flights, the ripple effect is being felt globally. Flights from Australia to major international hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Manila, and Dubai are experiencing delays and cancellations due to the weather-related issues at Australian airports. Passengers traveling to these locations are advised to stay updated with their airlines for the latest information.

The Role of Severe Weather in Flight Disruptions

Severe weather, including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, has created hazardous flying conditions, particularly for flights that need to navigate through or near the affected regions. Pilots and air traffic controllers are working to ensure the safety of all passengers, but this often means that flights must be delayed or cancelled to avoid risky weather conditions.

Thunderstorms are particularly problematic because of their unpredictable nature. They bring sudden turbulence and heavy rainfall, which can severely limit visibility and pose significant risks to aircraft during takeoff, landing, and in-flight operations. This, in turn, leads to delays as airports work to ensure flights depart safely.

Widespread Flooding and Dangerous Road Conditions

As the severe weather continues, parts of Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria are experiencing flash floods, with rivers and creeks reaching dangerous levels. In these areas, roads have been closed due to inundation, creating difficult driving conditions and preventing passengers from reaching airports.

The ongoing rainfall is expected to continue throughout the weekend, leading to possible disruptions in ground transportation. Travelers are urged to exercise caution and check for any road closures or travel restrictions in the coming days.

Travel Disruptions Expected to Continue Over the Weekend

The forecast predicts that the weather system will persist over the weekend, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms continuing to affect South Australia, Victoria, and parts of New South Wales. By Saturday and Sunday, Adelaide, Melbourne, and other regions will likely face more intense weather, including widespread thunderstorms and flash floods.

Flood Watches and Warnings Across Several Regions

Due to the anticipated rainfall and thunderstorms, flood watches and warnings are in place for a large portion of central Australia, including parts of Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood warnings, and travelers are advised to stay informed about any weather-related travel restrictions or delays.

What Passengers Can Do During This Disruption

Passengers affected by the flight cancellations and delays are encouraged to stay in contact with their airlines. Many airlines are offering rebooking options and will provide accommodation and meals to those stranded due to the cancellations.

Airlines are also providing regular updates on their websites and via customer service channels to assist travelers in making alternative arrangements. Additionally, travelers should check the latest weather updates and local advisories to ensure their safety while traveling in the affected regions.

The severe weather conditions currently impacting Australia’s airports are creating massive disruptions for both domestic and international travelers. With hundreds of flights delayed and dozens cancelled, passengers flying with major airlines like Qantas, Emirates, and Air Canada should expect delays. Travelers are strongly advised to stay updated on the situation and prepare for possible further delays as the storm system moves south.

It is essential for passengers to check with their airlines for rebooking options and keep an eye on weather forecasts, as the adverse conditions are expected to continue for the next several days. While the weather is causing major disruptions, the priority remains ensuring the safety of passengers and flight crews.

Thousands of passengers are grounded in Australia yesterday as severe weather causes 601 flight delays and 65 cancellations at Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are disrupting flights, particularly for airlines like Qantas, Emirates, and Air Canada, affecting both domestic and international routes to cities like Abu Dhabi, Auckland, and Dubai.

As the storm system moves into the weekend, travelers should expect more delays and cancellations across airports in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other parts of Australia. Given the widespread flooding and hazardous road conditions, it is also important to factor in ground transportation disruptions when making travel plans.