AUSTRALIA: Tropical Cyclone Alfred, weather warning for East Coast

Air travellers to the east coast of Australia, and specifically Brisbane, are warned to keep updated on weather conditions. This is in the light of the expected landfall of Tropical Cyclone Alfred expected on Thursday 6 March, 2025. However, the cyclone will adversely affect weather from today, Wednesday 5 March through until 12 March.

This could affect travel plans down the east coast. If your travel plans involve the eastern coast of Australia during that time, you should keep up to date on the latest weather conditions, since they could impact adversely your travel plans.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s current strength and position

Currently located approximately 452 kilometers east of Brisbane, it is moving west at 11 kilometers/hour. Maximum winds are currently recorded at 95 kilometers/hour, making it a Category 2 hurricane. Landfall is expected near Brisbane on the evening of Thursday, March 6, 2025. This will be the first cyclone to strike the southern coast of Queensland in 50 years.

Once in land, the low-pressure system will weaken, but still have a significant impact on the weather of the region.

Warnings for Tropical Cyclone Alfred

A Cyclone Warning is currently in effect for Double Island Point (Queensland) to Grafton (New South Wales), including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, and Ballina (excluding Grafton)

Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, high tides, destructive wind gusts, and dangerous storm surges are predicted. These are potentially life-threatening conditions and apply particularly in southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.

Flight delays and cancellations

If you are travelling to or from eastern Australia, flight delays, diversions and cancellations are highly likely. Airlines have recognised the situation by offering travel waivers and flexibility due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Additional fees for date changes may be waived for certain travellers.

Airlines Issued travel alerts

Below is a summary of the latest updates from Airlines (list informed by The Gate with Bryan Cohen):

• Air Canada: Travel alert for Brisbane, March 4-6, 2025.
• Jetstar Airways: Alerts for Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore), Hervey Bay, Brisbane, Gold Coast (Coolangatta), and Ballina Byron, March 4-9, 2025, with reissue deadlinee March 16, 2025.
• Rex Airlines is monitoring the situation but regional flights remain as scheduled
• Qantas Airways: Alerts for Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, and Maroochydore, March 4-9, 2025, reissue deadline eMarch 16, 2025.
• United Airlines: Travel alert for Brisbane, March 4-7, 2025, reissue deadline March 12, 2025.
• Virgin Australia Airlines: Alerts for Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, March 4-8, 2025, reissue deadline March 15, 2025.

The following airlines also service Brisbane, but have not as of the date of writing issued specific sarnings: Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Air New Zealand, Thai Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air, Fiji Airways, and Philippine Airlines. You will need to contact them for specific Tropical Cyclone Alfred advice.

2PAXfly Takelout

If you’re traveling to, from or along eastern Australia over the next few days, whether domestically or internationally, monitor weather reports and contact your airline for the latest travel information. Because of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, rethinking your travel may be the safest option.

Always prioritise your safety and the safety of others during severe weather events.