By Roxanne Libatique
Airports across Australia and New Zealand experienced widespread disruptions as adverse weather conditions caused significant delays and cancellations for major airlines, including Qantas, Jetstar, and Air New Zealand.
According to a report by Samoa Global News, the operational challenges affected both domestic and international routes, leaving thousands of travellers navigating uncertain itineraries and prompting insurance professionals to review coverage implications for affected clients.
Australian airports reported substantial interruptions, with Melbourne Tullamarine Airport experiencing 179 delayed flights and 15 cancellations.
Sydney Airport recorded 175 delays and nine cancellations, while Brisbane Airport saw 88 delays and seven cancellations.
Canberra International, Hobart International, Launceston, and Perth International also reported varying levels of disruption, with Canberra noting 20 delays and six cancellations, and Hobart reporting 28 delays and two cancellations.
In New Zealand, Auckland Airport faced 80 delayed flights and 4 cancellations, Christchurch International reported 37 delays and 4 cancellations, and Dunedin International had 3 delays and 1 cancellation.
The disruptions affected a range of travellers, from business passengers to holidaymakers, and created a ripple effect across the region’s air travel network.
Airlines have encouraged passengers to monitor their digital channels for the latest information on flight status, schedule changes, and rebooking options.
Qantas, Jetstar, and Air New Zealand have been providing regular updates through their websites and mobile applications. Travellers are advised to contact airline customer service directly if they have not received timely notifications.
For those whose flights have been cancelled, airlines generally offer rebooking on the next available service.
Passengers should confirm with their carrier regarding rebooking procedures, eligibility for compensation, or the availability of travel vouchers. In some cases, a full refund may be possible, depending on the fare type and circumstances of the disruption.
Airports experiencing high passenger volumes – such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane – have advised travellers to arrive early and prepare for extended wait times.
In smaller cities, where alternative flights may be limited, passengers may need to consider ground transport options such as buses or trains to reach their destinations.
Travel insurance is a key consideration during periods of travel disruption. Insurance professionals are advising clients to review their policies for coverage related to flight delays, cancellations, and associated expenses such as accommodation and meals. Many policies include provisions for such events, but coverage details can vary.
Clients are encouraged to retain documentation of incurred expenses and to contact their insurer promptly to initiate claims if eligible.
Insurance brokers are also reminding clients to check for exclusions or limitations related to weather events, which are a common cause of travel delays.
As New Zealand intensifies efforts to attract Australian tourists, a legal expert has highlighted important differences in personal injury compensation laws between the two countries.
Insurance brokers are being urged to communicate these distinctions to clients planning travel to New Zealand.
Peter Carter, director at Carter Capner Law and former president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, explained that New Zealand’s no-fault accident compensation scheme, established in the 1970s, bars individuals from pursuing personal injury claims against other parties, regardless of fault.
In Australia, it is common to seek damages from those responsible for injuries, but in New Zealand, the law does not permit lawsuits against drivers, businesses, or other entities for personal injury, according to Carter.
Insurance professionals are being advised to clarify that while standard travel insurance typically covers medical expenses incurred overseas, it may not provide ongoing income support for lost wages resulting from an accident in New Zealand.
Carter recommends that travellers consider income protection insurance to address this gap.
“Australia’s health system will cover you for some medical expenses on your return, but you are on your own if you can’t return to full-time work,” he said.
Brokers are encouraged to ensure clients understand the scope of their travel insurance and consider additional protections, particularly if engaging in higher-risk activities or planning extended stays.

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