Tropical Cyclone Vaianu has forced widespread flight cancellations and delays at Nadi International Airport today, with major regional and domestic carriers suspending services as severe weather batters the area, Fiji Airports and airlines said. Fiji Airways confirmed morning departures were delayed and that all Fiji Link services for the day have been cancelled, while international carriers Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia suspended all flights to and from Nadi.
Several specific services have been listed as cancelled. The advisory named JQ119/120, VA175/176, VA181/182 and VA195/196 among the affected services, together with QF101/102. Air New Zealand flights NZ952/953 have also been cancelled. In addition, flight ON017 has been delayed with an estimated arrival time of 10:50pm, according to the notice issued to travellers.
Fiji Airports and the carriers have urged passengers to contact their airlines directly for the latest information, assistance with rebooking and any arrangements for onward travel. The disruptions are expected to have ripple effects on connections and schedules throughout the day as airlines work to adjust crews and aircraft rotations in response to the cyclone.
The latest cancellations mark a continuation of weather-related operational problems at Nadi this month. Earlier coverage reported a thunderstorm and significant lightning activity on January 10 that temporarily disrupted runway edge lighting and led to several inbound flights being diverted while inspections and repairs were carried out. Authorities have repeatedly cited safety as the overriding concern when making decisions to delay, divert or cancel services during severe weather.
Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring conditions closely and will update schedules as the cyclone progresses. Travellers with bookings to or from Nadi are being advised to verify their flight status via airline websites or customer service lines before travelling to the airport, and to allow extra time for any necessary changes to itineraries.
This is an evolving situation and further updates are expected as flight operations are reassessed in line with weather reports and aviation safety criteria.
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