Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia cancel flights as Tropical Cyclone Alfred intensifies off southeast Queensland

Australia’s major airlines have detailed the options for customers booked on flights to destinations affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia are all cancelling flights and offering changes as the category 2 system charges towards land between Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. “While airspace is not generally closed in response to weather conditions, airlines may decide not to fly in adverse conditions and airports can elect to close,” Air Services Australia said on Wednesday. “Decisions on whether to cancel flights are a matter for airlines, and passengers with travel plans over coming days are advised to check the status of their flight with their airline.” There could also be delays caused by reduced staff levels if employees are unable to get to work amid the cyclone, Air Services Australia said. Air Services Australia said it has staff contingency plans and backup power supplies in place alongside other emergency arrangements to support the sector over the next few days. “Should emergency services require ongoing access, Air Services will look to support these requirements,” it said.<br/>