Tropical Cyclone Alfred: Urgent travel warnings as Qantas, Virgin offer customers credit not to travel

Emergency services across Queensland and New South Wales are imploring residents to avoid life-threatening situations and cancel their travel plans as the nations airlines enact their safety policies to avoid the predicted onslaught of Cyclone Alfred.

The tropical cyclone is due to land between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane some time on Thursday night or Friday morning and will bring with it the likelihood of unprecedented rainfall, flooding and high seas.

Queensland Police has urged all road users to take extra precautions with Road Policing and Regional Support Command Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells saying motorists must prioritise safety and stay informed.

“What starts as a manageable drive can turn dangerous in an instant,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.

“Slow down, increase your stopping distance, turn your headlights on and never attempt to drive through flood water. “Even just 15 centimetres of water can be enough to sweep a vehicle away. Your car can’t protect you from floodwater, and the risks are simply not worth it.

“Your car is designed to protect you on the road, but once you enter floodwater, it becomes a completely different story – doors can jam, electrics can fail, and newer vehicles, which are often more buoyant, can float or be swept into fast-moving currents,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells added.

“Please take the time to find an alternate, drier route – what might seem like a minor inconvenience could save your life or the lives of your loved ones.”

The NSW SES is warning residents on the far north coast to prepare for abnormally high tides, which may cause flooding and damaging surf, leading to significant beach erosion.

Gales with wind gusts up to 120 km/h are also expected to develop along the southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales coastal fringes and island communities between Tewantin and Grafton.“Intense rainfall may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding near and south of the cyclone centre as Alfred approaches the coast late on Thursday or early Friday,” the SES warning states.

Qantas and Virgin have begun messaging their customers and posting their own warnings about the likleihood of disruptions and safety concerns in the coming days.

Qantas has begun offering credits to travellers who do not wish to take the risk of cancellations or bad weather flights.

“We’re closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred off the coast of Queensland. If your flight is impacted, we’ll notify you by SMS using the number provided in your booking. You can also check your flight details through the Qantas App or via Manage Booking online,” the Qantas advice says.

“We’re offering additional flexibility to customers who have booked flights to or from Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast and Maroochydore on or prior to 3 March 2025, for travel between 4 and 9 March 2025.

“If you wish to change your booking or no longer wish to travel, we’re offering a travel credit or date change (up to 14 days from the original date of travel, subject to availability).”

A Qantas group spokesperson said the airline is watching the cyclone’s movements and will be making judgment calls in the coming days.

“Our dedicated meteorology team are closely monitoring the cyclone, alongside our operations team, and we will contact customers directly with any changes to their flights. The safety of our customers and people is our main priority.”

Virgin Australia has taken steps to assist their cutomers as the ‘Alfred’ warnings grow louder.

“Virgin Australia’s meteorologists are closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred,’ a spokesperson said.

“We recommend guests who are booked to fly to and from south east Queensland and northern NSW later this week monitor their flight information on the Virgin Australia website.

“The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority and adjustments to our schedule may be required this week Where possible, we will communicate to guests whose flights may be impacted.

Guests travelling on Virgin Australia services to or from Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast airports from Tuesday, 4 March to Saturday, 8 March 2025 (inclusive) can choose to move their flight to a new date within 14 days free of charge, or, cancel and request a travel credit by contacting the airline.”