Published on
December 31, 2025
Travelers at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) are facing a tumultuous period with significant flight delays and cancellations. With a staggering 204 delays and 3 cancellations recorded in a single day, passengers have been left grappling with uncertainty, as airlines struggle to manage the heavy disruption during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
This disruption has been most keenly felt by QantasLink and Jetstar, two of Australia’s leading carriers, along with numerous international airlines. The delays and cancellations are not only affecting domestic travelers but also those connecting to international flights, creating a ripple effect throughout Australia’s aviation system. In response, airlines, airport authorities, and air traffic controllers are working around the clock to resolve the issues, though passengers are advised to expect ongoing delays and to remain flexible with their travel plans.
QantasLink Leads the Delays with Over 40 Flights Affected
Among the airlines affected, QantasLink stands out, with a significant portion of its flights experiencing delays. According to data from the airport, QantasLink accounted for 60% of delays, affecting 41 flights. Additionally, 4% of QantasLink flights were cancelled, adding to the frustration for passengers. The delays primarily involved domestic connections between Melbourne and other major cities such as Sydney and Brisbane, as well as regional destinations like Queenstown and Wellington.
QantasLink, Australia’s largest regional airline, has been actively working to mitigate the delays by offering passengers rebooking options and compensation for those who faced cancellations. The airline has also implemented measures to expedite turnaround times, though the high volume of travelers during peak season has posed a significant challenge.
Jetstar Airlines Contributes to Over 70 Delays, Causing Major Travel Headaches
Jetstar Airways, a major low-cost carrier operating out of Melbourne, reported 77 delays on the same day, amounting to 30% of the total flight disruptions. The airline, known for its extensive network of domestic and international flights, saw a combination of factors contributing to these delays, including air traffic control restrictions, logistical issues, and operational challenges.
Jetstar has been in communication with affected passengers, offering flexible options for rebooking flights or providing accommodation for those stranded overnight. However, many travelers have been left frustrated by the lack of available information and updates from the airline during the crisis.
These disruptions, while not uncommon during peak travel periods, have been amplified due to the limited capacity at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, which has been operating at or near full capacity.
International Airlines Also Affected: Air New Zealand, SriLankan Airlines, and More
The chaos at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport has also impacted a range of international airlines, further compounding the delays and cancellations. Air New Zealand, SriLankan Airlines, and China Airlines are among the international carriers with delayed flights.
Air New Zealand: 35% of its flights were delayed, with several trans-Tasman routes affected. New Zealand-bound travelers were among the most impacted, facing long delays and limited options for rescheduled flights.SriLankan Airlines: As the airline struggles with the challenges of high air traffic, 50% of its flights were delayed, affecting passengers traveling to and from Sri Lanka.China Airlines: China Airlines, operating long-haul flights to and from Taipei, also saw a 50% delay rate, causing major inconvenience for international travelers relying on timely departures.
Other international airlines, including Air China, Malaysia Airlines, and Qantas, also saw delayed flights, as the issues at Melbourne Tullamarine reverberated throughout the global network.
Brisbane, Auckland, and Queenstown: Global Impact Felt at Origin Airports
The delays at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport are not limited to the airport itself. Flights originating from multiple international airports have been affected, contributing to the overall chaos.
Brisbane (BNE) saw 17 delays, representing 35% of total delays at Melbourne Tullamarine.Auckland (AKL), a major international hub for New Zealand-bound travelers, experienced 1 delay, which, while small in number, had significant ripple effects.Queenstown (ZQN), a popular tourist destination in New Zealand, saw 1 delay as well, adding to the frustration of travelers trying to connect between the two major cities.
Moreover, flights from Wellington (WLW), Phuket (HKT), and Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) were also delayed, creating a ripple effect that spread far beyond Melbourne.
Challenges Faced by Passengers: Stranded, Frustrated, and Waiting for Answers
For passengers, the impact of these disruptions is deeply frustrating. Long lines at check-in counters, lack of communication from airlines, and limited rebooking options have left travelers feeling stranded and helpless.
One passenger, Sarah Miller, who was attempting to catch a flight to Auckland for a family reunion, shared her experience: “I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s been hours since my flight was delayed, and no one is giving us clear information. I feel like I’m just stuck here.”
Similarly, John Davis, a business traveler who had planned to fly to Singapore from Jetstar Airways, expressed frustration with the lack of updates. “It’s disappointing how little communication there is. I have meetings scheduled, and now I have no idea when I’ll be able to leave.”
Airport and Airline Responses: Working to Mitigate the Impact
In response to these disruptions, airport authorities at Melbourne Tullamarine are working alongside airlines to clear backlogs and expedite flight operations. Authorities have urged passengers to remain in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates and to check flight statuses regularly.
Qantas, Jetstar, and other airlines affected by the delays have apologized for the inconvenience caused and are working to resolve the situation. Passengers with cancelled flights are being provided with options to reschedule or refund their tickets. However, airlines have acknowledged that the recovery process may take some time, given the volume of disruptions.
Government and Industry Steps to Address the Situation
The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications are monitoring the situation closely and have emphasized the need for long-term solutions to avoid similar disruptions in the future. As international travel continues to surge, experts suggest that expanding infrastructure at key airports like Melbourne Tullamarine may be necessary to handle the growing demand.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect for Melbourne Tullamarine Travelers
While the situation remains fluid, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is working hard to return to normal operations. However, with the holiday season and business travel in full swing, travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, check their flight status regularly, and remain patient as airlines and airport authorities continue to deal with the backlog.
As for now, those traveling through Melbourne, whether for business or leisure, should expect delays and plan accordingly. While disruptions are an unfortunate part of air travel, authorities and airlines are doing their best to address the situation and minimize future issues.