Delays at Sydney Airport as dozens of flights await clearance to depart

Travellers at Sydney Airport faced delays of up to two hours this morning as severe staffing shortages triggered a major bottleneck across domestic and international flights.

Major airlines warned that travellers could face the worst flight delays in six months due to a critical air traffic control staffing insufficiency at Airservices Australia.

The severe bottleneck at Sydney Airport left multiple domestic and international flights stranded on the tarmac.

A Qantas service to Christchurch scheduled for 10.20am on Friday did not begin taxiing until 11.30am, while a flight to Vietnam was delayed by more than 70 minutes.

Flights bound for Perth were similarly held up for about an hour before departure.

Qantas confirmed that delays across its network have blown out to two hours.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Airservices Australia said it enacted Air Traffic Flow Management measures from 8.20am to 11.15am due to operational restrictions to safely manage projected airborne and departure demands.

“Airservices acknowledges the ATFM measures, which have now been removed, caused disruptions to airline scheduling, however, capacity has since been restored and no significant delays have occurred since 1200,” the spokesperson said.

“Airservices air traffic controllers are incredibly proud and dedicated to performing what is a demanding, safety-critical role.

“We take their wellbeing and psychosocial safety seriously and ask that commentary on operational performance recognises the professionalism and commitment of the controllers working every day to keep the travelling public safe.”

Nine.com.au has reached out to Sydney Airport for comment.