As Tropical Cyclone Alfred looms over the Australian coastline, travellers in Queensland and New South Wales are facing potential disruptions to their plans. With the Bureau of Meteorology issuing the first cyclone watch for NSW in over 30 years, it’s clear that Alfred is not a storm to take lightly. Expected to make landfall as a category two system on Thursday night, the cyclone’s trajectory is a cause for concern, particularly for those in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Northern Rivers region.
As of 2pm Tuesday, major airports, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ballina Byron Bay, and Sunshine Coast, are operating normally, but this could change rapidly as the cyclone approaches. Their operations teams are vigilantly monitoring weather conditions, and any updates will be communicated through their respective websites.
Understanding the unpredictability of cyclones, several Australian airlines have implemented flexible booking policies to accommodate travellers affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Virgin Australia
Passengers booked on Virgin Australia flights to or from Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast airports between 4 and 8 March 2025 (inclusive) can change their flight to a new date within 14 days of the original departure, subject to availability, or cancel and request a travel credit through the Guest Contact Centre or their travel agent. Both options are free of charge, provided the original ticket was issued on or before 3 March 2025.
Qantas
Travellers with Qantas bookings to or from Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, and Maroochydore on or before 3 March 2025 for travel between 4 and 9 March 2025 are eligible for the airline’s flexible policy. Customers can choose to reschedule their flight within 14 days of the original travel date, subject to availability, or request a travel credit if they no longer wish to travel. Changes can be made via the Qantas website, by calling the airline, or through a travel agent. Qantas will notify affected passengers by SMS using the contact details in their booking, and flight details can also be checked via the Qantas App or Manage Booking online.
Jetstar
Passengers booked to depart from Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore), Hervey Bay, Brisbane, Gold Coast (Coolangatta), and Ballina Byron Bay airports between 4 and 6 March are eligible for Jetstar’s flexible options, which include a free date change within seven days of the original travel date or a voucher equivalent to the value of their untravelled flights. The airline stated it is closely monitoring the severe weather situation and will directly contact affected customers if their flight is disrupted.
Airservices Australia is coordinating with industry stakeholders to prepare for the cyclone, ensuring passenger and employee safety while minimising disruption. While airspace is not typically closed due to weather, airlines may choose not to fly, and airports can close. Travellers should check the status of their flights with their airline and be aware of potential delays.
How are you adjusting your travel plans in light of Cyclone Alfred’s approach? Have you used any of the airline’s flexible policies? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
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