AFL fans have been left stranded at Melbourne Airport after poor weather caused flight cancellations and delays affecting services to Perth, Brisbane and several other destinations following Saturday’s grand final.
Fremantle supporters faced a second setback in as many days, with online flight monitors showing seven Virgin Australia services to Perth had been cancelled, as well as two flights to Melbourne. Virgin Australia said only one flight had been officially cancelled.
Qantas also listed cancellations affecting its 8am and 5.50pm services from Melbourne to Perth.
Flights to Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Canberra were delayed as low visibility and adverse conditions disrupted operations. Passengers reported long queues and crowded terminals as travellers sought alternative arrangements or waited for updates.
One AFL fan told 6PR Weekends host Mark Doran that he had been forced to look for another airline to get home.
“They basically gave us the option of finding another carrier to get home or wait around and see what we could be rebooked on,” he said.
Virgin Australia and Qantas added extra flights from Victoria to Perth and Brisbane in an effort to help supporters leave Melbourne after the grand final. However, high demand combined with the weather disruption left many travellers waiting for hours longer than expected.
A Virgin Australia spokesperson said air traffic control had restricted arrivals into Melbourne because of the conditions.
“Low visibility and poor weather led air traffic control to limit arrivals into Melbourne yesterday. The resulting delays have carried into today’s operation, contributing to further delays and some cancellations,” the spokesperson said.
“Our team is working hard to get guests to their destinations safely and as soon as possible, including adding additional services.”
