Federal Police pounce on a disgruntled passenger at Tullamarine airport last night after weather chaos caused the cancellation of flights and long delays.Credit: John Woudstra
A backlog of passengers stuck at Melbourne Airport after storms forced the cancellation of flights is expected to clear by late morning.
Melbourne's wettest September day since 1955 was accompanied by a cracking thunder and lightning show that disrupted flights between 3pm and 7pm (AEST) on Wednesday.
The fallout for those caught at the airport continued into the night, with thousands either waiting for delayed flights or being told they would have to wait until Thursday morning to fly.
"There will be knock-on effects this morning ... and fairly full planes," Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said.
A Qantas spokeswoman said it was advising passengers to head to the airport as normal and to expect delays of up to half an hour.
"We're just trying to get as many people out this morning as possible," she said.
Thousands of passengers were hit by flight delays and cancellations after a massive storm dumped 48mm on the tarmac.
The backlog continued well into the night, with thousands either waiting for delayed flights, or being told they would have to wait until Thursday morning to fly.
A Qantas spokeswoman said passengers on one flight had to wait four hours to disembark because of gate congestion, as the airline waited for the government and Air Services Australia to grant special dispensations for gate access.
"We were waiting for gate space to deboard passengers, we were obviously at the mercy of the Victorian government," the spokeswoman said.
"Our flights have been delayed up to four hours."
She said at least six Qantas domestic flights were cancelled, with passengers re-directed on to later night flights, or told they would fly on Thursday morning.
Passengers who had to wait until Thursday to fly had been provided with accommodation, the spokeswoman said.
"There has been a significant impact to our operations, but we have tried to minimise the disruption for our passengers," the spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile people tweeted chaotic scenes from the airport.
"Chaos at Melbourne airport. Thousands of people stranded. Nowhere to go," said columnist Mia Freedman.
Network Ten newsreader Sandra Sully also tweeted "Melb Airport chaos - massive delays. Passengers stranded on planes for hours on the tarmac with no gates available."
AAP
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