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Travel Chaos Hits Australia and New Zealand with Extensive Flight Delays and Cancellations

Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt・October 10, 2025

More than 60 flight cancellations and 900 delays have disrupted air travel across key airports in Australia and New Zealand, with carriers such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Jetstar impacted. The operational issues have affected major airports including Auckland, New Plymouth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, causing significant inconvenience for thousands of air travelers across the region.

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Significant disruption has struck air travel across Australia and New Zealand, where more than 60 flight cancellations and over 900 delays have been reported. The disruption has affected prominent airlines, including Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Jetstar. Major airports across both countries, such as Auckland, New Plymouth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, have seen flights held back or grounded. Passengers are facing considerable inconvenience due to the widespread nature of these delays and cancellations.

The event is impacting a broad range of flights, but the specific number of passengers affected remains unconfirmed. Airlines have not yet confirmed the cause behind the widespread operational issues. Service interruptions of this magnitude have rippling effects throughout the travel network, putting pressure on both travelers and industry personnel. Authorities and airline operators are working to stabilize schedules and restore normal operations as soon as possible.

Travelers are advised to stay updated directly through airline communications and airport announcements. Continued vigilance and preparation for possible further delays are recommended until full service resumes across the affected regions.

Know your rights

When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:

Australia:

Covered by Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

If a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed and it’s within the airline’s control, you can get a refund or rebooking.

No legal right to meals, accommodation, or cash compensation.

Airlines may offer care voluntarily.

A new Passenger Rights Charter is being developed to strengthen protections (not yet law).

New Zealand:

Covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA).

If the airline is at fault, you’re entitled to a refund, rebooking, or reimbursement of reasonable costs (e.g. meals, accommodation).

If the cause is beyond airline control (weather, safety), you’re usually only owed a refund or rebooking.

No automatic compensation scheme like in Europe.

Quick facts

Disruption:

Delays and Cancellations

Cause:

Other

Compensation:

Not eligible for compensation

Flights affected:

60

Status:

Current disruption

Airlines affected:

Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar

Airports affected:

Auckland Airport, New Plymouth Airport, Melbourne Airport, Sydney Airport, Perth Airport

Checked by:

Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Date updated:

October 10, 2025

More passenger rights to discover:

Air Passenger Rights

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