Electric storms shut down SYD, flights diverted

[blast-off]

Due to an electric storm in SYD, airport was shut down and few flights were diverted.

SQ 211 SIN-SYD has been diverted to MEL and to fly tomorrow as SQ211D MEL-SYD then continuing on SQ232 SYD-SIN.

MH141 KUL-SYD also went to MEL and will continue their journey tomorrow.

Same fate with EK 419 from CHC and CX139... However, only TG 471 BKK-SYD that made it to SYD because the airport opened again shortly before they made the decision to divert to MEL.

Not enough rooms in MEL , SQ YCL pax have to stay in departure lounge and sleep in sleeping bag... But... SQ is giving them full meals and phone cards....

AFAIK, all other airlines have reserved most of the rooms before SQ could make the bookings...

[SQ_fanatic]

Didnt know why they decided to cancel the the re departure when SYD was opened by the time thy knew there werent rooms for YCL pax. It's a pretty long delay. Got a family friend who's affected by it.

[soarbeyond]

Not enough rooms in MEL , SQ YCL pax have to stay in departure lounge and sleep in sleeping bag... But... SQ is giving them full meals and phone cards....
..

I think this is pretty bad . sleeping in the departure lounge with Sleeping bags !
Seriously , it'd be a BIG NO-NO for me .
They have no other choices ?

[Nick C]

Didnt know why they decided to cancel the the re departure when SYD was opened by the time thy knew there werent rooms for YCL pax. It's a pretty long delay. Got a family friend who's affected by it.

SYD is curfew restricted so departure was probably scrapped as they wouldn't arrive before the window closed.

[feb01mel]

SYD is curfew restricted so departure was probably scrapped as they wouldn't arrive before the window closed.

Any particular reason why SYD in particular has curfew?

[Nick C]

Any particular reason why SYD in particular has curfew?

simply put. stupid people. the airport was there long before the hoard of the residents moved in. they buy houses knowing that an airport is in the vicinity and start whining about the noise. shrewd politicians use the curfew act of 95 as an avenue to win local elections.

[SQ_fanatic]

simply put. stupid people. the airport was there long before the hoard of the residents moved in. they buy houses knowing that an airport is in the vicinity and start whining about the noise. shrewd politicians use the curfew act of 95 as an avenue to win local elections.

shouldnt that be lifted considering that many flights were standed with many passengers be without accomodation? No special situations?

[Logan^]

shouldnt that be lifted considering that many flights were standed with many passengers be without accomodation? No special situations?

They are very unforgiving on airlines for breaking the curfew regardless of the situation.

Jetstar got fined recently I believe.

[KeithMEL]

shouldnt that be lifted considering that many flights were standed with many passengers be without accomodation? No special situations?

They do provide special exemptions every now and again depending on the circumstances. No idea what the exact requirements are but IIRC bad weather doesn't cut it. SYD is prone to electric storms and ground staff have to leave the tarmac when these happen for their own safety.

[blast-off]

shouldnt that be lifted considering that many flights were standed with many passengers be without accomodation? No special situations?

The airlines (SQ,MH,CX,EK) have asked for dispensation for the nights but it was denied by SYD airport authority.

[B727]

Shocking

[Nick C]

shouldnt that be lifted considering that many flights were standed with many passengers be without accomodation? No special situations?

Special dispensation is allowed for emergencies.

[SQ_fanatic]

Can any claims be made to the airline in such circumstances?