Sydney Airport faces major flight cancellations: Here's why you need to know

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at Sydney Airport (SYD) on Friday as more than 50 flights were cancelled due to an air traffic controller shortage, exacerbated by bad weather conditions.

According to Airservices Australia, 26 departing and 32 arriving flights were axed after a single air traffic controller called in sick at short notice.

The sudden staffing gap, combined with existing weather-related flight restrictions, caused widespread disruptions for travelers.

Despite efforts to bring in a replacement controller, the cancellations had already significantly impacted airline schedules, with many passengers forced to wait until Saturday for rescheduled flights.

For official updates on Australian air traffic management and regulations, visit the Airservices Australia website.

Sydney Airport's delays affected major airlines, with carriers working urgently to accommodate stranded travelers.

A spokesperson for Airservices Australia apologized for the situation, stating:

For live flight status and cancellations, travelers can check the Sydney Airport website.

The flight cancellations come amid a public transport crisis in Sydney, with widespread train delays and industrial action crippling the rail network.

With continued uncertainty over staffing and weather conditions, passengers traveling through Sydney Airport are advised to:

Check flight status regularly via airline websites or the Sydney Airport Flight Tracker. Arrive early to accommodate potential security and boarding delays. Monitor airline communications for updates on rescheduled flights.

As Sydney grapples with both aviation and public transport disruptions, authorities urge travelers to stay informed and plan ahead to minimize inconvenience.