Sydney and Melbourne Airport delays: Flights cancelled amid air traffic control staff shortages

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 22:39, 10 August 2026 | Updated: 22:58, 10 August 2026 Passengers are facing major delays at Sydney and Melbourne airports after air traffic control staffing shortages caused widespread disruption. Airservices Australia issued an alert on Tuesday morning warning travellers to expect delays of up to an hour. The ground delays expected to continue throughout the day in Melbourne, while restrictions at Sydney Airport are due to lift at 2pm. Strong winds are also disrupting flights in Sydney. At least eight flights are expected to be cancelled, which will impact 1,200 passengers. Passengers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The delays come amid growing safety concerns at Sydney Airport after a crew member was injured in the second tarmac near-miss in as many weeks. Two employees were stood down for mandatory testing after a Jetstar flight departing Sydney Airport for the Gold Coast almost collided with a Qatar Airways plane on Sunday. Passengers are facing major delays at Sydney and Melbourne airports after air traffic control staffing shortages caused widespread disruption Airservices Australia chief executive Rob Sharp has been summoned by the federal government to Canberra for emergency talks. He apologised for the wave of flight delays at Sydney Airport in recent days. 'I want to assure the public that safety is not compromised when issues with staffing levels occur,' Sharp said. 'We put in place measures that reduce the traffic levels to ensure safety, but this can lead to flight delays.'