Changed
Changed
Weather can affect flights at Brisbane Airport and across the wider aviation network. Storms, fog, strong winds and other conditions can change how aircraft operate, sometimes resulting in delays or diversions.
Even when the weather looks clear at Brisbane Airport, conditions elsewhere can affect your flight. Weather along the flight path, at your destination, or at another airport can delay the aircraft or crew operating your service.
If severe weather is forecast, check your flight status and keep an eye on updates from your airline. Your airline is best placed to provide information about your flight or booking.
Storms at Brisbane Airport
Brisbane’s summer months can bring thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds and lightning. When storms move close to Brisbane Airport, some airfield activities may slow or temporarily pause to keep people working outdoors safe.
Lightning is a particular risk on the airfield because many employees work in large, open areas around aircraft. When lightning reaches within 16km from Brisbane Airport, storm warnings alert airfield teams so they can prepare or move to safety. When lightening is within 8km from the airport this can temporarily affect activities such as baggage handling, refuelling, catering, cleaning and aircraft maintenance.
Flights and ground activities can be affected differently during a storm. Weather along flight paths can also require aircraft to change route or wait for conditions to improve, which means flights may be disrupted even when the storm isn't directly over Brisbane Airport.
Fog at Brisbane Airport
Fog can reduce visibility across Brisbane Airport, making it more difficult for aircraft to safely move around the airfield, take off, and land. When visibility is reduced, fewer aircraft may be able to arrive or depart, which can lead to delays or diversions.
Brisbane Airport has systems that help aircraft operate in low-visibility conditions. However, whether a flight can take off or land also depends on factors including visibility, the aircraft, airline procedures, and other operating conditions.
Fog often clears as conditions change, but its impacts can continue after visibility improves as airlines and airport operations work through delayed flights.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if weather affects my flight?
If storms, fog, or other severe weather are forecast:
- Check your flight status before travelling to Brisbane Airport
- Check your airline’s app, website, email, or text messages for updates
- Contact your airline directly if you need help with a delayed or cancelled flight
Your airline manages your booking and is best placed to provide flight specific information.
Does Brisbane Airport close because of weather?
Brisbane Airport remains open during storms and fog. However, aircraft movements, baggage handling, refuelling, and other activities may slow or temporarily pause when conditions affect safety.
Individual flights may be delayed, diverted, or cancelled. Check directly with your airline for information about your flight.
How do storms affect Brisbane Airport?
Lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, and storms near Brisbane Airport can affect aircraft movements and work performed outdoors on the airfield.
When lightning is close, employees working in exposed areas may need to move to safety. This can temporarily affect:
- Baggage loading and unloading
- Aircraft refuelling
- Catering
- Aircraft cleaning
- Maintenance
- Other outdoor aircraft services
Aircraft movements and outdoor ground services may be affected differently. This means an aircraft may land or depart while some baggage or aircraft-servicing activities remain paused.
Why can baggage handling and aircraft servicing stop during a storm?
Airfield employees can work in large, open areas near aircraft. When lightning is close, outdoor work may pause so teams can move to safety.
Work resumes when the relevant warning is cleared and conditions are safe.
What do the storm warning lights mean?
| Warning | What it means | Possible passenger impact |
| White storm warning | Indicate there’s storm activity within 16km of the airport. | Teams prepare for possible changes to outdoor operations |
| Blue storm warning | Indicate storm activity is within 8km of the airport and airline crew, ground crew and airport staff may need to leave the apron in the interest of safety | Services such as baggage handling, catering, refueling, cleaning and maintenance are paused. |
Why can flights be delayed when the weather looks clear?
Weather at Brisbane Airport is only one factor affecting a flight.
Storms or poor visibility along a flight path can require an aircraft to slow down, change route, or wait for conditions to improve. Severe weather at another airport can also delay the aircraft or crew operating a later Brisbane flight.
This means a flight can be delayed even when the weather at Brisbane Airport appears clear.
Can planes take off and land during a storm?
Storm conditions can affect aircraft movements and ground activities differently. Flights may continue in some conditions, while outdoor aircraft servicing pauses for safety.
Can aircraft land at Brisbane Airport in fog?
Brisbane Airport has systems that support aircraft operations during low visibility. However, whether a flight can land or depart also depends on visibility, the aircraft, the airline’s procedures, and other operating conditions. The use of the runways, taxiways and aprons may be slowed for safety reasons particularly when visibility is below 800 metres.
What is an instrument landing system?
An instrument landing system provides pilots with guidance as an aircraft approaches a runway in low visibility. This system is a precision runway approach aid based on two radio beams which together provide pilots with both vertical and horizontal guidance during an approach to land.
What happens when a flight is diverted to another airport?
Many factors contribute to flights being diverted and getting passengers back to their original arrival point, this information is a guide only. Airlines will have the most up-to-date information, please be patient while plans are put in place.
- International flights – in most cases, once there is an available spot, the flight will come into Brisbane.
- Domestic flights - delayed flights will come into Brisbane at a later time or if the flight is cancelled, passengers will be re-booked on a later flight.
- Diverted to the Gold Coast – passengers may depart the plane and bus coaches will bring passengers to Brisbane Airport.
Please note: This information is a guide only of arrangements that may happen in a thick fog event affecting Brisbane Airport. Please check with the airline for the up-to-date information on flight status and arrangements in these weather event situations.
Updated 29/10/26