Travellers have been warned to expect delays at Sydney Airport after a shortage of air traffic controllers sparked a string of cancellations.
Take-offs will be cancelled between 3.30pm and 4pm on Friday due to the Airservices Australia staffing issue.
Flights have had to wait at least four minutes between departures, which is twice as long as the usual target on the main runways.
The staff shortages have been impacting operations at the major airport since 10am, and will affect those travelling for the NRL and AFL finals this weekend.
‘We’re aware that reduced staffing at Airservices Australia may cause some flight delays today,’ a Sydney Airport spokesperson said.
‘Passengers are encouraged to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight.’
In February, more than 50 flights were cancelled and hundreds of passengers were stranded after just one air traffic controller called in sick at Sydney Airport.
In March 2024, air traffic controllers threatened to walk off the job for the first time in over two decades, claiming they were drastically understaffed and overworked.
Travellers have been told to expect delays at Sydney Airport (pictured) after a shortage of air traffic controllers sparked a string of cancellations on Friday afternoon
Take-offs will be cancelled between 3.30pm and 4pm on Friday, due to the staffing issue
Union Civil Air Executive secretary Peter McGuane said too much was being asked of air traffic controllers with staff shortages exacerbated by extra projects.
Mr McGuane said projects such as a digitised system to control traffic in and out of Western Sydney were putting strain on already overworked staff.
He said the union had been trying to address staff shortages for a decade.
‘Air traffic controllers are not interchangeable,’ he told the AFR on Friday.
‘They’re rated for specific functions and you can’t simply transplant one air traffic controller in another controller position for which they’re not rated.’
Virgin Australia has urged passengers to check for delays on the mobile app.
Daily Mail has contacted Jetstar for comment.
More to come.
