Perth holidaymakers planning a Bali holiday have been left stranded after Jetstar was forced to cancel flights on Friday afternoon.
JQ116 was due to leave the airport around 4.40pm, but was cancelled after the IT outage disrupted its check-in system.
Some customers were visibly distressed after the announcement was made.
After the cancellation, people were told to expect a text message alerting them of the next available flight.
“I was going to Bali for seven days, and everything was booked and paid for. I’m not sure where that stuff stands anymore,” said passenger Jeremy.
“I have a driver and mates all over there … It’s pretty frustrating considering we’ve been waiting around since 1pm and then just getting told we’ve got to go somewhere else.
“It’s a bit irritating, but it is what it is what it is.”
Flight JQ106 from earlier on Friday was also cancelled. Passengers are believed to be stuck in airport immigration after being unable to board due to a technical fault.
Jetstar is also believed to be experiencing problems on domestic flights.
Passengers were waiting for over three hours in line waiting for JQ116 before Perth Airport staff broke the news.
A sign for passengers trying to board JQ116 read: “GLOBAL SYSTEMS OUTAGE.”
“SORRY FOR THE DELAY WILL UPDATE ASAP!!!!”
The flight was scheduled to leave the airport at 4.40pm but by 3.35pm, travellers were still stuck at the check-in desk.
The incident is reported to have been caused by a third-party provider that experienced a technical fault.
Jetstar customer Gabriele, who had booked accommodation in Bali for a holiday with his mother, had been waiting in line since 1.40pm.
He spoke with The West at just after 3.30pm while still waiting in line.
“The Jestar staff said just hang around, they haven’t said much,” he said.
“We hope we can get on the flight. If it’s delayed, we aren’t sure what’s going to happen.”
There were also big queues at other airline desks, including Qantas and an Air Asia desk for flights QZ533 and QZ545.
A spokesperson for the airport confirmed the IT issue had impacted “check-in for some airlines at Perth Airport”.
“Flights are continuing to operate; however, delays may be experienced,” they said.
A spokesperson for Virgin Australia confirmed the outage had impacted them.
AirAsia has been contacted for comment.
Source Agencies
