Owais Crawford
Sydney Airport has been affected by floods on multiple occasions, with flash floods causing flight disruptions and diversions. In December 2023, heavy rain turned the airport runway into a body of water, resulting in more than 20 flight cancellations and delays. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) reported flash flooding in Pagewood and surrounding suburbs, impacting roads around the domestic airport. Sydney Airport experienced similar disruptions in February 2023 due to stormy weather and intense rainfall. Historically, the airport has also endured severe weather events, including flash flooding in 1975, causing significant damage. Despite these challenges, Sydney Airport remains a busy transport hub, with a forecast of 2.6 million passengers during the 2023-2024 holiday season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 24 December 2023 |
| Number of flights delayed | 20 |
| Number of flights cancelled | 6 |
| Affected airlines | Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex |
| Affected areas | Domestic runway apron, terminal, roads around the airport |
| Rainfall | 64mm |
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What You'll Learn
Sydney Airport runways and roads flooded
Sydney Airport has experienced flash flooding on multiple occasions, causing flight disruptions and road closures. One of the most recent incidents occurred in December 2023, when heavy rain and flash floods turned the airport runway into a body of water, leading to flight cancellations and delays. Video footage from December 25, 2023, showed baggage tow trucks navigating through the flooded tarmac.
The flash flooding in December 2023 impacted both the domestic runway apron and terminal at Sydney Airport, resulting in the cancellation of 25 departures on Christmas Day alone. Overall, approximately 6.5% of flights were cancelled, affecting various airlines, including Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, and Jetstar.
The New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) played a crucial role in responding to flash flood rescues in Sydney's east, with dozens of rescues performed since a storm cell swept through the city on Sunday afternoon. Suburbs in Sydney's east, such as Rosebery, Pagewood, and Mascot, experienced significant flash flooding, impacting both residences and the airport.
Roads surrounding Sydney's domestic airport were also flooded, causing traffic disruptions. Passengers were advised to allow extra time for their journey to the airport and to check their flight status with their respective airlines. Sydney has a history of severe weather events, including flash floods, and global warming has increased the likelihood of extreme rain and flash flooding in the region.
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Delayed and cancelled flights
Sydney Airport has experienced disruptions in the form of delayed and cancelled flights due to severe weather events, particularly flash flooding. On December 24, 2023, flash flooding in Sydney caused significant disruptions, with reports of 20 delayed flights and some cancellations. The situation worsened on Christmas Day, with 25 departures cancelled and the domestic runway apron and terminal experiencing severe flooding. Overall, Sydney Airport managed the floods well, with only 6.5% of flights cancelled and no impact on international services.
Video footage and social media posts from December 25, 2023, revealed flooded airport tarmacs, with baggage tow trucks struggling to move through the water. These conditions resulted in more than 20 cancelled flights and significant travel disruptions for passengers. The affected airlines included Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, and Jetstar, along with small regional airlines.
The severe weather conditions leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brought over 64 millimetres of rain within a short period, causing thunderstorms and flash flooding. The State Emergency Service (SES) was called upon to rescue more than 20 people in the eastern suburbs of the NSW capital, including those trapped in vehicles and homes affected by floodwaters.
While Sydney Airport experienced delays and cancellations due to the floods, the overall impact on flight operations was relatively minimal, considering the challenging weather conditions. The airport's ability to manage the situation effectively is reflected in the low cancellation rate of 6.5%. However, it is important for passengers to stay updated and allow extra time when travelling during such severe weather events.
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Rescue operations by NSW State Emergency Service
On 24 December 2023, Sydney Airport was affected by flash floods, heavy rain, and thunderstorms, causing travel disruptions and delays. The New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) responded to multiple calls for rescue operations in Sydney's east, specifically in the suburbs of Rosebery, Pagewood, Malabar, Botany, East Gardens, Mascot, and Maroubra. The NSW SES crews carried out dozens of flood rescues, including people trapped in their vehicles and homes due to rising floodwaters.
The NSW SES is a dedicated team of over 10,000 highly trained professionals who are committed to assisting their communities during emergencies such as floods, storms, and tsunamis. They provide emergency assistance and can be reached by calling 132 500. In life-threatening situations, residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) for immediate support.
The NSW SES encourages individuals and communities to be proactive and prepared for potential flood hazards. They recommend staying updated with weather forecasts and warnings, utilizing apps like "Hazards Near Me" for real-time alerts, and understanding the Australian Warning System to know what actions to take during emergencies. Additionally, they suggest preparing an emergency kit with essential items in case of power loss or the need to evacuate quickly.
During the December 2023 flash floods in Sydney, the NSW SES played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. Their swift response to rescue operations and guidance on preparedness measures helped minimize the impact of the floods on the community. The NSW SES continues to be a vital resource for individuals and communities across New South Wales facing flood-related challenges.
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Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall
Sydney has experienced several severe weather events, including thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, which have impacted the city and Sydney Airport in various ways.
On December 25, 2023, heavy rain and flash floods turned the airport runway into a body of water, causing significant travel disruptions. More than 20 flights were cancelled, affecting various airlines, including Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, and Jetstar. Social media footage from the airport showed baggage tow trucks struggling to move through the flooded tarmac. This incident caused delays and diversions of flights to other states, with roads around the domestic airport also flooded, impacting traffic and causing further complications for passengers.
In February 2023, stormy weather brought intense rainfall to Sydney and New South Wales, resulting in flooding. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology reported significant rainfall in several areas, including Audley Royal National Park, Bellambi, and Shellharbour Airport. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) responded to numerous calls for assistance, and Sydney Airport experienced delays and diversions due to storms in the area.
Sydney Airport has also faced disruptions during thunderstorms. On November 28, 2018, several suburbs in the Sydney CBD recorded over 100 mm of rainfall in just two hours, causing flash floods that submerged cars in Redfern. The thunderstorms were accompanied by wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h, resulting in downed trees and, sadly, two fatalities.
Additionally, on December 24, 2023, a severe thunderstorm in Sydney resulted in flash flooding that required the NSW State Emergency Service to rescue over 20 people in the eastern suburbs. Sydney Airport experienced disruptions, with a spokesperson stating that some earlier flights were affected by delays.
While thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have impacted Sydney Airport, causing cancellations, delays, and diversions, the airport has demonstrated resilience, with only a small percentage of flights typically affected.
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Flooding in surrounding suburbs
Sydney Airport has been affected by flooding, with flash floods and heavy rain turning the runway into a body of water. This has resulted in cancelled and delayed flights. The flooding at the airport occurred in December 2023, with more than 20 flights impacted.
The suburbs surrounding Sydney Airport have also been impacted by flooding. In December 2023, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) responded to multiple calls for flash flood rescues in Sydney's east, with dozens of rescues required as floodwaters entered homes and garages. The worst-affected suburbs included Rosebery, Pagewood, Malabar, Botany, East Gardens, Mascot, and Maroubra.
In July 2022, thousands of residents in Sydney's western suburbs were ordered to evacuate as rivers rose past danger levels. The Warragamba Dam in western Sydney overflowed, and the weather bureau reported that many locations saw up to 200 mm of rainfall, with some areas receiving close to 300 mm. The suburb of Windsor was particularly affected, with roads and bridges submerged, and emergency crews rescuing people from vehicles stuck in rising waters.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain, flash floods, and strong winds along the coast of New South Wales, including Sydney. The state's water authority noted that the dam was not to blame for the flooding, as there were vast areas of Sydney that are flooded that aren't downstream of Warragamba.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sydney Airport has experienced flash floods and heavy rain, which have caused flight cancellations and delays. For example, in December 2023, more than 20 flights were canceled due to flash floods, and in 1975, flash flooding at the airport caused over $15 million worth of damage.
It is difficult to determine how often Sydney Airport floods, but the city of Sydney has experienced several severe weather events in recent years, including flash floods. Global warming has increased the chances of extreme rain and flash floods in the area.
Floods can cause significant disruptions to flight operations at Sydney Airport, including cancellations and delays. Roads around the airport may also be impacted, affecting traffic and access to the airport.
