SYDNEY, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- A reported shortage of air service staff caused widespread flight delays and some cancellations at Sydney Airport on Friday.
Qantas reported that more than 50 domestic and international flights out of Sydney Airport were delayed by up to 90 minutes on Friday and four domestic services were canceled.
Jetstar, the Qantas Group's budget carrier, reported an additional 25 delayed services while Virgin Australia said 20 flights were delayed.
Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph reported that the delays were due to a staff shortage.
Stephen Beckett, chief executive of peak industry body Airlines for Australia and New Zealand, told the Daily Telegraph that the delays were catastrophic for the national network.
A spokesperson for Airservices Australia said that air traffic flow management measures were implemented at Sydney Airport due to operational restrictions.
"Airservices air traffic controllers are incredibly proud and dedicated to performing what is a demanding, safety-critical role," the spokesperson said in a statement. ■
