Sydney: Nearly two dozen flights were cancelled on Christmas Day after heavy rains and flash floods battered Australia on Sunday and Monday. On Christmas Eve, the NSW State Emergency Services responded to at least 492 flood-related cases across the country. This included 25 flood rescue operations across metropolitan Sydney. Sky News reported. The Australian state's main airport which is touted as one of the busiest airports in the world was impacted in a significant way after the tarmac of the region was flooded. 

While the operations at the airport returned to normal on Christmas day. Several travellers are still facing flight cancellations during the festive season. According to Sky News, by 10:30 am on Monday, 23 domestic flights scheduled to arrive and depart out of Sydney Airport were cancelled. These included seven Virgin flights, six Qantas, and three Jetstar, as well as some regional airlines operating in the region. Videos of the horrific flash floods circulated in which the tarmac of the airport was seen completely drenched with flood water.  

Airlines apologise for the cancellation

Amid the chaos, Virgin Australia confirmed the cancellations of flights and stated that it was due to adverse weather in and around Sydney over the past 24 hours. "Unfortunately adverse weather in and around Sydney, including in the last 24hrs, has resulted in disruption and in some cases, cancellations," Virgin Australia told Sky News on Monday. Meanwhile, NSW warned that "more severe weather" conditions can engulf the country during Christmas night. "More severe weather is expected on Christmas Day night and Boxing Day, and the NSW SES has prepositioned assets and has flood rescue teams on standby," NSW SES wrote in a statement on Monday."A flood watch has been issued for Moruya and Deua Rivers, Bega River, Tumut River, Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers, Snowy River, Upper Murray and Mitta Mitta Rivers," the authority furthered.