Australian Airlines to Cease Operations in Brisbane Ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred's Impact
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Synopsis
As tropical cyclone Alfred approaches Queensland, major airlines in Australia are suspending operations in Brisbane. The cyclone is expected to bring severe weather conditions, prompting changes in public transport and airport operations.
Key Takeaways
- Major airlines are halting flights in Brisbane.
- Severe tropical cyclone Alfred is approaching Queensland.
- Brisbane Airport remains open for emergency assistance.
- Gold Coast Airport is closed until further notice.
- Residents are preparing for substantial rainfall.
Sydney, March 6 (NationPress) Major Australian airlines have declared a suspension of their services in Brisbane on Thursday as severe tropical cyclone Alfred nears Queensland, Australia. A recent update from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) indicated that Alfred's approach to southeast Queensland has decelerated, delaying landfall until early Saturday, contrary to earlier forecasts which anticipated it on Thursday night or Friday morning.
Virgin Australia announced it would halt flights departing from Brisbane at 4 p.m. local time on Thursday, maintaining a reduced schedule until that time. Qantas and Jetstar also confirmed they would stop their services by mid-afternoon. Passengers have been urged to verify their updated flight information.
Brisbane Airport will remain operational as long as safety permits, aiding the Australian Defence Force and health authorities during emergencies, as stated by the airport.
In the meantime, Gold Coast Airport in southern Queensland has been closed since Wednesday afternoon until further notice, whereas Sunshine Coast Airport continues to operate normally.
Residents in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales (NSW) are preparing for the cyclone, which is expected to be the most severe in the area since 1974.
Major supermarkets in these regions have adjusted their business hours, with some stores in cyclone-affected areas closing early on Thursday afternoon.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported quotes from Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, stating that roads and bridges will be kept accessible "for as long as possible" for essential workers.
Public transport services are suspended on Thursday and Friday, with additional updates expected, according to Crisafulli.
Weather forecasts predict daily rainfall totals ranging from 200 mm to 400 mm, with the potential to exceed 800 mm throughout the storm, Xinhua news agency reported.
The airline is also providing flexibility for customers who have booked flights to or from Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Lord Howe Island, and Maroochydore on or before Monday, for travel scheduled between Tuesday and Sunday.
