Thousands of Travellers Face Chaos at Sydney, Melbourne, And Brisbane Airports in Australia as Qantas, Air New Zealand, Emirates, and More Cause 532 Delayed and 52 Cancelled Flights Across US, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand and More Disrupting Los Angeles, Tokyo, Auckland And Beyond

Published on February 23, 2026

Image generated with Ai

Thousands of travellers are facing unprecedented chaos at major airports in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as a combination of severe weather conditions and operational challenges have led to widespread flight disruptions. Qantas, Air New Zealand, Emirates, and other major airlines have been forced to delay 532 flights and cancel 52, causing ripple effects across international travel routes. The impact has been felt globally, with passengers stranded in cities like Los Angeles, Tokyo, Auckland, and Bangkok, as severe weather, including snowstorms and thunderstorms, and operational setbacks have crippled flight schedules and caused widespread chaos at key airports.

The aviation industry is currently grappling with significant disruptions across major airports in Australia, particularly Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Thousands of travellers have found themselves stranded or facing long delays as Qantas, Air New Zealand, Emirates, and several other major airlines report 532 delayed flights and 52 cancellations. These disruptions are not limited to Australia; airports and airlines across the globe, including those in the US, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, and other regions, have felt the ripple effects.

The chaos can be attributed to a combination of severe weather conditions and operational challenges that airlines and airports are struggling to overcome. The result has been significant delays, cancellations, and an overall disruption of travel schedules, affecting travellers in cities like Los Angeles, Tokyo, Auckland, Bangkok, and beyond.

Why Are These Delays and Cancellations Happening?

Weather Challenges

One of the main culprits behind these delays and cancellations is weather-related disruptions. Across multiple regions, severe weather conditions such as snowstorms, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall have made it unsafe for flights to take off or land on schedule. The impact of these weather events is not only felt locally but has caused a chain reaction, disrupting flight paths and schedules globally. Airlines are often forced to delay flights or cancel them entirely to ensure passenger safety.

Operational Challenges

In addition to weather disruptions, operational challenges have also played a significant role in the chaos. Airlines are facing difficulties with staffing shortages, aircraft maintenance delays, and logistical constraints. These operational challenges have compounded the delays, leaving passengers stranded at airports for hours, with some even facing overnight delays as airlines work to resolve the issues. Ground crew shortages and strained airport infrastructure have only intensified these challenges.

Airline-Specific Delays and Cancellations

Airport-Specific Delays and Cancellations

Routes Affected by Delays and Cancellations

The ripple effect of these disruptions has caused significant delays and cancellations across international routes. Here are some of the most affected cities and their corresponding airports:

• Sydney to Los Angeles: Several flights between Sydney and Los Angeles were delayed due to operational constraints. Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Los Angeles International (LAX) have faced delays of up to 4 hours.
• Sydney to Tokyo: Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) faced a series of weather-related issues, leading to delays in Sydney-Tokyo flights.
• Sydney to Auckland: Auckland Airport (AKL) also faced significant delays, with some airlines, such as Air New Zealand, experiencing operational disruptions that resulted in cancellations.
• Sydney to Bangkok: Flights on this route were severely impacted by weather issues in Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International (BKK). Operations were slowed due to heavy rains and wind conditions, causing flight delays.

The Bigger Picture: A Global Aviation Struggle

While the current disruption may seem like a localized issue, it highlights deeper systemic issues within the global aviation industry. Airlines are under increased pressure as air travel demand surges and operational challenges grow. Weather conditions continue to play a pivotal role, but airlines must also adapt to shifting operational norms, especially in the wake of the pandemic, which has altered staffing levels and resources.

As we move forward, better infrastructure, staffing adjustments, and advanced weather forecasting systems will be crucial in mitigating future disruptions. The aviation industry must focus on strategic planning and contingency measures to ensure that flights remain on time and passengers are not left stranded.

The ongoing disruptions across major airports, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, should serve as a wake-up call for the aviation sector. With over 500 delayed flights and more than 50 cancellations in a single day, passengers are feeling the brunt of the operational challenges and weather disruptions. The ripple effects are being felt across global routes, from Los Angeles to Tokyo, Auckland, Bangkok, and beyond.

It is clear that both airlines and airports need to reassess their operations, particularly in terms of staffing and weather-related contingencies. In an age of increasing global travel, more robust systems are needed to ensure that air travel remains reliable and passengers are not left stranded at airports for hours or even days.

Thousands of travellers are facing chaos at Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports due to 532 delayed and 52 cancelled flights caused by severe weather and operational challenges. These disruptions have affected global routes, impacting cities like Los Angeles, Tokyo, Auckland, and Bangkok.

Until the aviation sector finds effective solutions, travellers must remain prepared for potential delays and disruptions. Keeping updated on flight statuses, maintaining flexibility with travel plans, and understanding the challenges faced by airlines and airports can help mitigate some of the stress during this period of turbulence.