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Air Traffic Control Staffing Shortage Forces Dozens of Cancellations at Sydney Airport

Airservices Australia cited short‑notice sick leave that left a smaller control team, prompting reduced flight spacing.

Overview

  • Dozens of flights were cancelled on Thursday at Australia’s busiest airport, with many more delayed.
  • Qantas and Jetstar cut about 30 services, and Virgin Australia warned of additional cancellations.
  • Some aircraft faced tarmac holds of up to two hours as operations were throttled for safety.
  • Airservices Australia implemented wider spacing intervals after reporting fewer controllers than required.
  • Officials and industry groups warned of knock‑on delays across the national network, with potential impacts to Perth and Brisbane.