Sydney Airport to pause flights amid air traffic controller shortage
Flight disruptions at Sydney Airport on Friday have been resolved.
A shortage of air traffic controllers was expected to impact operations for much of the afternoon.
“We’re aware that reduced staffing at Airservices Australia may cause some flight delays today,” a Sydney Airport spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Take-offs were expected to pause between 3.30pm and 4pm, and be rescheduled outside that window.
But a last-minute resolution means that “Sydney Airport and will now be able to provide an uninterrupted departure service this afternoon”, an Airservices Australia spokesperson said.
They had blamed the shortage on “a number of unwell air traffic controllers at Sydney Tower”.
“There are no impacts to arrivals.
“Decisions on whether to cancel flights are a matter for airlines.”
Passengers have been urged to check with individual airlines for the status of flights.
It is understood that each departing plane had to wait at least four minutes after the last departure, impacting takeoffs since about 10am.
Airservices Australia said it was waiting on an extra 85 air traffic controllers to be added to their rosters this year.
“Airservices is working with the airlines to minimise disruptions during this period,” the spokesperson said.
“We sincerely apologise to airlines and the travelling public for any delays.”
Originally published on 7NEWS
