Stay up to date on Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred with our reliable hub to keep you updated with the latest travel impacts and advice.
Useful Resources
- For the latest, most accurate Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred weather advice, head to: www.bom.gov.au
- For the latest regional and news updates regarding Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, head to: www.abc.net.au
- Virgin Australia Updates
- Jetstar Updates
- Qantas Updates
- Rex Updates
- Air New Zealand Updates
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred Weather Update: Sunday, 9 March 2025
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has significantly impacted southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The system made landfall near Brisbane on Saturday evening after being downgraded to a tropical low.
Gale-force winds with peaks of more than 100kph blew through large areas of south-east Queensland overnight, bringing down more trees across the region.
Around 300,000 people are without power and heavy rainfall has raised river levels, prompting evacuation orders in parts of New South Wales. Authorities are warning of life-threatening flash flooding, with some areas expected to receive between 300 and 400 millimeters of rain over 24 hours.
Ergon Energy says thousands of power lines are down across southeast Brisbane, which could cause further damage. Meanwhile, Optus says 267 of its southern Queensland mobile phone towers are down due to power outages.
The effects are also reaching further north and west in Queensland, with an emergency flood alert issued for residents in the Hervey Bay region north of the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. In just six hours, Hervey Bay has received more than 230mm of rain. Strong winds and rain have also pulled powerlines down in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
Airport Operations: Sunday, 9 March 2025
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): The airport has reopened, and airlines have resumed passenger services. Flight schedules are expected to build throughout the day; however, some weather-related disruptions may still occur. Passengers are advised to confirm their bookings and check flight statuses directly with their airlines before heading to the airport.
- Gold Coast Airport (OOL): After a three-day closure, Gold Coast Airport reopened to the public at 6:00 AM on Sunday, March 9. While operations have resumed, some scheduled services may still be disrupted. Passengers should monitor their flight status via their airline before traveling to the airport.
- Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY): Flights are expected to resume from approximately 8:45 AM on Sunday, March 9. Passengers should verify flight details with their respective airlines.
- Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK): Services are anticipated to recommence from around noon on Sunday, March 9. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest flight information with their airlines.
Given the evolving nature of weather conditions and recovery efforts, all passengers are strongly advised to verify the status of their flights and airport operations directly with their airlines or the respective airport websites before leaving home.
Ground Transportation and Infrastructure Update: Sunday, 9 March 2025
Translink Services in South East Queensland:
- Bus Services: As of Sunday morning, most Brisbane bus services have resumed operations. However, services from operators such as Kinetic Gold Coast, Clarks City Bus Services, Hornibrook Buslines, Thompson Bus Services, Transdev, and Mt Gravatt Coach and Travel remain suspended due to flooding and road closures affecting their routes.
- Train Services: All train services remain suspended today as crews continue inspections and debris clearance.
- Ferry Services: Brisbane River ferries are not operating until Monday.
- Tram Services: Trams are suspended today due to electrical damage requiring repairs.
Road Travel: Authorities strongly advise against non-essential travel due to hazardous conditions, including potential flooding and debris on roads.
Greyhound Services:
- Cancelled Routes: All Greyhound services entering and exiting Brisbane and Byron Bay are cancelled this weekend.
- Operational Routes: Services continue as per current timetables for routes traveling north between Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach, Townsville, and Cairns; west between Toowoomba, Charleville, and Mount Isa; and south between Byron Bay and Sydney.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred Weather Update: Friday, 7 March 2025
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has downgraded the slow-moving Tropical Cyclone Alfred to Category 1. BOM meteorologists now predict it will make landfall near Brisbane early on Saturday morning in an evolving situation.
However, authorities warn South East Queensland and Northern NSW residents that the weather system will have before-and-after impacts, as seen after a night of wild weather on the Gold Coast and Northern NSW that saw power outages and fallen trees.
BOM senior forecaster Matthew Callopy said that “the hazards, including wind, rainfall, storm surge, and flooding, remain, and we expect them to develop throughout the day.”
Airline Updates: Friday, 7 March 2025
Airlines and airports within the projected path of Cyclone Alfred are enacting precautionary measures:
- Flight Cancellations: Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia have proactively cancelled all flights to and from Brisbane (BNE), Gold Coast (OOL) and Ballina Byron (BNK) until Sunday 9 March. Rex has suspended all services to and from Brisbane and Coffs Harbour for Friday 7 March and Saturday 8 March.
- Virgin Australia: Passengers with bookings between 4 and 16 March 2025 can reschedule their flights within a 14-day window without incurring change fees or opt for a travel credit.
- Qantas: Customers may rebook to the same or a lower class cabin within 14 days of the original travel date at no additional charge or hold their booking as a credit.
- Jetstar: Offers include rebooking within seven days before or 14 days after the original travel date without fees or receiving a voucher equivalent to the untraveled flights.
- Rex: Passengers with flights booked before 4 March 2025 for travel between 4 and 10 March 2025, to or from Brisbane Airport or Coffs Harbour Airport, may rebook or request a travel credit.
Qantas Update for Travel Advisors: Friday, 7 March 2025
As at 9:45am AEDT:
- Brisbane (BNE), Gold Coast (OOL) and Ballina (BNK) – Qantas and Jetstar flights are suspended until at least Sunday morning local time.
- Coffs Harbour (CFS) – all flights resumed today (Friday).
- Ballina (BNK) – Qantas and Jetstar operations are currently suspended until at least Sunday morning local time.
- Sunshine Coast (MCY) and Hervey Bay (HVB) – Qantas and Jetstar flights continue to operate.
- Customers who wish to change their travel arrangements have several options available on Qantas.com and Jetstar.com.
Virgin Australia Update for Travel Advisors: Friday, 7 March 2025
As 12:30pm AEDT:
- Brisbane (BNE) – Flights suspended until Sunday (9 March).
- Gold Coast (OOL) – Flights suspended until Sunday (9 March).
- Ballina (BNK) – Flights suspended until Sunday (9 March).
- Sunshine Coast (MCY) – Flights will be suspended from Friday afternoon (7 March) until Sunday (9 March).
Guests travelling on Virgin Australia services to or from Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast airports from Tuesday, 4 March to Sunday, 16 March (inclusive) can choose to move their flight to a new date within 14 days (from the original departure date) free of charge or cancel and request a travel credit by contacting the Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 or their travel agent.
The original ticket must be issued on or before Friday, 7 March 2025. Moving to a new flight is subject to availability.
Air New Zealand Update for Travel Advisors: Friday, 7 March 2025
As at 13.40pm AEDT:
Air New Zealand has cancelled all Brisbane flights for 6 March and all Gold Coast flights for 6 and 7 March due to Cyclone Alfred. Customers are advised not to travel to either Brisbane or Gold Coast airports.
The following flexibility is extended and permitted for customers ticketed for travel to/from Brisbane or the Gold Coast up to and including, Sunday 16 March 2025.
- Defer/Travel Earlier: You can defer travel to a later Air New Zealand flight on the same routes, in the same class of travel, within 7 days of the original travel dates without a change fee or fare difference. If the proposed date of travel is unknown, the value of the ticket may be held in credit for payment towards travel within the same 12-month validity.
- Change Origin or Destination: Customers ticketed for travel to/from Brisbane or Gold Coast up to and including Sunday 16 March 2025, may change their travel to another destination without a change fee within 7 days of the original travel dates. In this instance, any applicable fare differential will apply.
- Refund: Normal refund rules apply, as per the fare conditions.
- Travel as Planned: Any customers who decide to travel as planned must be aware that they do so at their own risk, and Air New Zealand will not be liable for any costs associated with disrupted travel.
- Incidental Costs: Incidental costs and penalties, such as accommodation and/or meals, are the customer’s responsibility. Customers should refer to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs.
- Important note for all scenarios: Please endorse any changes “Invol reroute due Cyclone Alfred”
- Any incidental costs, such as accommodation or meals, etc., will be the customer’s responsibility. Customers should refer to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs and/or where they hold a non-refundable fare.
- Air New Zealand says it will continue to monitor the situation and advise of any changes to these guidelines accordingly.
For more information for Travel Advisors, contact agencysupport@airnz.co.nz
Airport Operations: Friday, 7 March 2025
- All passenger flights in and out of Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ballina Byron Bay airports have been suspended until further notice.
- Coffs Harbour Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport are still operating, however some flights have been cancelled.
- Travellers scheduled to fly to or from affected areas, including Brisbane, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and Sunshine Coast, are advised to verify their flight status and explore rebooking or cancellation options.
Ground Transportation and Infrastructure: Friday, 7 March 2025
Until further notice, all Translink bus, train, ferry and tram services in South East Queensland have been cancelled due to Cyclone Alfred.
- Road Travel: Authorities strongly advise against non-essential travel due to the heightened risk of hazardous conditions, including potential flooding and debris on roads.
- Greyhound: All Greyhound services entering and exiting Brisbane and Byron Bay are now cancelled this weekend.
- All other Greyhound services will continue to operate as per current timetables, travelling to the north between Hervey Bay <> Airlie Beach <> Townsville <> Cairns, west between Toowoomba <> Charleville <> Mount Isa, and south between Byron Bay <> Sydney.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred Weather Update: Thursday, 6 March 2025
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reports that Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Alfred is moving towards the southeast Queensland coast, and its impacts are expected to increase on Thursday evening.
The warning zone extends from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in NSW, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina, but not including Grafton, with communities up and down the coastline braced for impact.
TC Alfred is expected to cross the coast very early on Saturday morning, most likely between Noosa and Coolangatta.
Warnings include heavy rainfall and flooding to low-lying areas, high tides and damaging surf and destructive wind gusts of up to 155km/hr expected as Cyclone Alfred nears the coast.
Airline Updates: Thursday, 6 March 2025
Airlines and airports within the projected path of Cyclone Alfred are enacting precautionary measures:
- Flight Cancellations: Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia have proactively cancelled all flights to and from Brisbane, Gold Coast (OOL) and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) due to escalating winds from Cyclone Alfred.
- Virgin Australia will operate a limited schedule to and from Brisbane Airport before 4 pm today (Thursday).
- Virgin Australia has extended the cancellations of Gold Coast (OOL) and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) until Friday.
- For more, click here.
- Virgin Australia: Passengers with bookings between 4 and 8 March 2025 can reschedule their flights within a 14-day window without incurring change fees or opt for a travel credit.
- Qantas: Customers may rebook to the same or a lower class cabin within 14 days of the original travel date at no additional charge or hold their booking as a credit.
- Jetstar: Offers include rebooking within seven days before or 14 days after the original travel date without fees or receiving a voucher equivalent to the untraveled flights.
Air New Zealand Update for Travel Advisors: Thursday, 6 March 2025
As at 13:10pm AEDT:
Air New Zealand has cancelled all Brisbane flights for 6 March and all Gold Coast flights for 6 and 7 March due to Cyclone Alfred. Customers are advised not to travel to either Brisbane or Gold Coast airports.
The following flexibility is permitted for customers ticketed for travel to/from Brisbane or the Gold Coast up to and including, Sunday 9 March 2025.
- Defer/Travel Earlier: You can defer travel to a later Air New Zealand flight on the same routes, in the same class of travel, within 7 days of the original travel dates without a change fee or fare difference. If the proposed date of travel is unknown, the value of the ticket may be held in credit for payment towards travel within the same 12-month validity.
- Change Origin or Destination: Customers ticketed for travel to/from Brisbane or Gold Coast up to and including Sunday 09 March 2025, may change their travel to another destination without a change fee within 7 days of the original travel dates. In this instance, any applicable fare differential will apply.
- Refund: Normal refund rules apply, as per the fare conditions.
- Travel as Planned: Any customers who decide to travel as planned must be aware that they do so at their own risk, and Air New Zealand will not be liable for any costs associated with disrupted travel.
- Incidental Costs: Incidental costs and penalties, such as accommodation and/or meals, are the customer’s responsibility. Customers should refer to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs.
- Important note for all scenarios: Please endorse any changes “Invol reroute due Cyclone Alfred”
- Any incidental costs, such as accommodation or meals, will be the customer’s responsibility. Customers should refer to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs and/or if they hold a non-refundable fare.
- Air New Zealand says it will continue to monitor the situation and advise of any changes to these guidelines accordingly.
For more information for Travel Advisors, contact agencysupport@airnz.co.nz
Qantas Update for Travel Advisors: Thursday, 6 March 2025
As at 13:15pm AEDT:
- Brisbane (BNE)—From mid-afternoon today (Thursday), Qantas Group will suspend all flights, with international operations suspended until at least midday Saturday AEST and domestic operations suspended until at least Sunday morning AEST due to Cyclone Alfred.
- Gold Coast (OOL) – all Qantas Group operating flights are suspended with domestic operations suspended until at least Sunday morning local time and Jetstar international operations suspended until at least midday Saturday local time.
- Coffs Harbour (CFS) – all flights suspended. Qantas flights are expected to resume on Friday 7 March.
- Ballina (BNK) – Qantas and Jetstar operations are currently suspended until at least Sunday morning local time.
- At this time, flights to and from the Sunshine Coast (MCY) and Hervey Bay (HVB) continue as scheduled. QF says it will continue to review and make further updates as required.
- Customers who wish to change their travel arrangements have several options available on Qantas.com and Jetstar.com.
Airport Operations: Thursday, 6 March 2025
- Gold Coast, Ballina and Coffs Harbour airports have stopped operating due to Cyclone Alfred.
- Gold Coast Airport passengers affected will be contacted by their airline regarding their options to reschedule travel. Click here for more.
- Brisbane (BNE) and Sunshine Coast (MYC) remain operational for now but are on high alert. Airservices Australia is collaborating closely with airlines and airports to ensure safety and effectively manage potential disruptions due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
- Brisbane Airport will operate until 4pm today (Thursday).
- Travellers scheduled to fly to or from affected areas, including Brisbane, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, are advised to verify their flight status and explore rebooking or cancellation options.
Ground Transportation and Infrastructure: Thursday, 6 March 2025
As at 13:50pm AEDT: Until further notice, all Translink bus, train, ferry and tram services in South East Queensland have been cancelled due to Cyclone Alfred. This includes:
- Brisbane (Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Bus Lines, Brisbane River ferries)
- Gold Coast (Kinetic Gold Coast)
- Ipswich (Westside Bus Lines, Logan Coaches, Flexilink)
- Kilcoy (Christensen’s Bus and Coach)
- Lockyer Valley (Bus Queensland)
- Logan (Clarks Logan City, Park Ridge Transit, demand responsive transport services)
- Moreton Bay (Hornibrook Bus Lines, Thompsons Bus Services, Kangaroo Bus Lines, Caboolture Bus Lines, Southern Moreton Bay Island ferries)
- Mt Tamborine (demand responsive transport services)
- Noosa (Kinetic Sunshine Coast)
- Redlands (Mount Gravatt Coach and Travel, Transdev Queensland)
- Sunshine Coast (Kinetic Sunshine Coast, Glasshouse Country Coaches)
- Toowoomba (Bus Queensland)
- Road Travel: Authorities strongly advise against non-essential travel due to the heightened risk of hazardous conditions, including potential flooding and debris on roads.
- Greyhound: All Greyhound services entering and exiting Brisbane are now cancelled this weekend. Services will be cancelled from 1pm AEST today, Thursday 8 March, and remain cancelled until Sunday 9 March between Brisbane <> Hervey Bay (including the Sunshine Coast), Brisbane <> Toowoomba, and Brisbane <> Byron Bay (including the Gold Coast).
- All other Greyhound services will continue to operate as per current timetables, travelling to the north between Hervey Bay <> Airlie Beach <> Townsville <> Cairns, west between Toowoomba <> Charleville <> Mount Isa, and south between Byron Bay <> Sydney.
Cyclone Alfred Weather Update: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified to a Category 2 system and according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), is currently projected to make landfall near Brisbane early on Friday morning.
First and foremost, this is about people. The potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred on lives and local communities is deeply concerning. Many in South-East Queensland and Northern NSW are still recovering from past disasters, and the uncertainty and anxiety of what’s to come is overwhelming.
Beyond the human aspect, this storm is already disrupting travel and transport networks across the region. Airports, roads, and rail lines in Queensland and northern New South Wales are under increasing strain, with flight delays, cancellations, and dangerous conditions making movement difficult.
As of this morning, Cyclone Alfred is advancing towards the southeastern coast of Queensland, bringing with it predicted destructive winds exceeding 130 km/h, substantial rainfall, and hazardous sea conditions. The BOM has issued a warning zone for coastal and island communities between Double Island Point in Queensland and Grafton in New South Wales, encompassing areas such as Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, and Ballina.
Heavy to locally intense rainfall is expected over south-east Queensland on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Daily rainfall totals of 200-400mm are possible, meaning the event could lead to totals of over 800mm.
Airline Updates: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Airlines and airports within the projected path of Cyclone Alfred are enacting precautionary measures:
- Flight Cancellations: Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia have proactively cancelled all flights to and from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) today due to escalating winds.
- Virgin Australia has extended Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) cancellations into Thursday and will likely include Friday also.
- All flights into and out of Gold Coast Airport will cease at 4 pm QLD today until further notice. For more, click here.
- Virgin Australia: Passengers with bookings between 4 and 8 March 2025 can reschedule their flights within a 14-day window without incurring change fees or opt for a travel credit.
- Qantas: Customers may rebook to the same or a lower class cabin within 14 days of the original travel date at no additional charge or hold their booking as a credit.
- Jetstar: Offers include rebooking within seven days before or 14 days after the original travel date without fees or receiving a voucher equivalent to the untraveled flights.
Air New Zealand Update for Travel Advisors: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
The following flexibility is permitted for customers ticketed for travel to/from Brisbane or the Gold Coast up to and including, Sunday 9 March 2025.
- Defer/Travel Earlier: You can defer travel to a later Air New Zealand flight on the same routes, in the same class of travel, within 7 days of the original travel dates without a change fee or fare difference. If the proposed date of travel is unknown, the value of the ticket may be held in credit for payment towards travel within the same 12-month validity.
- Change Origin or Destination: Customers ticketed for travel to/from Brisbane or Gold Coast up to and including Sunday 09 March 2025, may change their travel to another destination without a change fee within 7 days of the original travel dates. In this instance, any applicable fare differential will apply.
- Refund: Normal refund rules apply, as per the fare conditions.
- Travel as Planned: Any customers who decide to travel as planned must be aware that they do so at their own risk, and Air New Zealand will not be liable for any costs associated with disrupted travel.
- Incidental Costs: Incidental costs and penalties, such as accommodation and/or meals, are the customer’s responsibility. Customers should refer to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs.
- Important note for all scenarios: Please endorse any changes “Invol reroute due Cyclone Alfred”
- Any incidental costs, such as accommodation or meals, etc., will be the customer’s responsibility. Customers should refer to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs and/or where they hold a non-refundable fare.
- Air New Zealand says it will continue to monitor the situation and advise of any changes to these guidelines accordingly.
For more information for Travel Advisors, contact agencysupport@airnz.co.nz
Qantas Update for Travel Advisors: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
As at 13.15 PM AEDT:
- Gold Coast (OOL) – from 16:00 pm today (Wednesday), Qantas Group will suspend operating flights to and from this location until 16:00 pm tomorrow (Thursday) (at least)
- Coffs Harbour (CFS) – from midnight tonight (Wednesday), Qantas Group will suspend operating flights to and from this location until midday Thursday (at least)
- Ballina (BNK) – flights have been suspended until midnight Thursday (at least)
- Qantas has also suspended flights to and from Lord Howe Island today (Wednesday)
- At this time, flights to and from Brisbane (BNE) and the Sunshine Coast (MCY) continue as scheduled. QF says it will continue to review and make further updates as required.
- Customers who wish to change their travel arrangements have several options available on Qantas.com and Jetstar.com.
In a statement sent to Karryon, Qantas said: “Our teams continue to closely monitor the cyclone and we are contacting customers directly with any changes to their flights. We’re also working alongside the multiple airport authorities, air traffic control and airport services providers to ensure any impact to schedules is clearly communicated to customers and our people.
“The safety of our customers and people is our main priority.
“We have proactively cancelled a number of flights today from South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
“The situation remains fluid and flight cancellations and delays will evolve over the coming days.”
Airport Operations: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
- Gold Coast Airport will close at 4 pm (QLD time) today, Wednesday, 5 March, in response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Passengers affected will be contacted by their airline regarding their options to reschedule travel. Click here for more.
- Brisbane (BNE) and Sunshine Coast (MYC) remain operational but are on high alert. Airservices Australia is collaborating closely with airlines and airports to ensure safety and effectively manage potential disruptions.
- Travellers scheduled to fly to or from affected areas, including Brisbane, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, are advised to verify their flight status and explore rebooking options.
Ground Transportation and Infrastructure: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
- Brisbane: Ferry Services: All Brisbane River ferries will not be running until further notice. Road Travel: Authorities strongly advise against non-essential travel due to the heightened risk of hazardous conditions, including potential flooding and debris on roads.
- Gold Coast: Bus Services: Gold Coast bus services are currently operational; however, residents are advised to monitor updates for potential suspensions as conditions deteriorate. Light Rail: The G: Link light rail is operating as scheduled but may experience disruptions depending on weather conditions.
- Greyhound: All Greyhound services entering and exiting Brisbane will be cancelled from 1pm (AEST) on Thursday 6 March. Services will remain cancelled on Friday 7 March between Brisbane <> Hervey Bay, Brisbane <> Toowoomba, and Brisbane <> Byron Bay.
- All other Greyhound services will continue to operate as per current timetables, travelling to the north between Hervey Bay <> Cairns, west between Toowoomba <> Charleville <> Mount Isa, and south between Byron Bay <> Sydney.
Useful Resources
- For the latest, most accurate Cyclone Alfred weather advice, head to: www.bom.gov.au
- For the latest regional and news updates regarding Cyclone Alfred, head to: www.abc.net.au
- For a complete list of helpful resources, head to www.disaster.qld.gov.au
- Virgin Australia Updates
- Jetstar Updates
- Qantas Updates
- Air New Zealand Updates
