Strong winds cause air travel chaos in Australia

sydney — Strong winds across Australia’s southeast coast on Friday caused commuter chaos at Sydney and Melbourne airports, the country’s two busiest, with thousands of air travellers stranded after dozens of flights were cancelled.

Winds gusting up to 70kmh also fanned major bushfires along the east coast, threatening homes and forcing evacuations.

Sydney Airport cancelled 76 flights after all but one runway was closed due to the strong winds, reducing flight movements to 23 per hour, more than half the usual rate.

“It’s not safe to have flights landing or departing and as a result we are going to a single runway, there are delays,” Sydney Airport said.

Melbourne Airport also reduced the number of flights allowed to arrive and depart each hour due to Sydney Airport cancellations.

The strong winds fanned fires across New South Wales state, with Australia’s Rural Fire Service reporting 21 fires.

A Boeing 737 modified for use as a waterbomber was used to fight bushfires around the city of Newcastle, north of Sydney, said the Rural Fire Service. The aircraft can carry 15,000 litres of water or fire retardant.

“(This) was the first operational drop that its done in the world...it has proven to be effective,” Chris Garlick, a spokesman for the NSW Rural Fire Services said. —