Last updated: 29 October 2026, 9:45pm AWST
A bushfire in Perth's eastern foothills triggered a major power outage at Perth Airport on Thursday, temporarily preventing aircraft from landing and disrupting operations across every terminal. Flights were cancelled, passengers faced lengthy delays, and some travellers already aboard aircraft were reportedly told to disembark. Emergency generator power helped restore terminal services during the afternoon, but disruption continued into the evening. Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status before travelling.
What Was Announced
Perth Airport confirmed on 29 October that a significant electricity outage was affecting terminal operations, with disruptions extending across the airport.
The outage was linked to a bushfire burning in the Kalamunda area, where emergency services were responding to an escalating threat to surrounding communities.
According to WAtoday's coverage of the disruption, airport operations were temporarily shut down during the afternoon. Arriving aircraft were unable to land, while travellers reported interrupted boarding and delayed arrivals.
Airport management initially warned that flight schedules could be affected while maintaining that passenger safety and security remained its highest priority.
By approximately 4pm, some services had started returning. At 4.38pm, the airport confirmed that operations were progressively being restored across its terminals, although delays were expected to continue.
Generator power was supplying the terminals by 5.15pm, allowing more services to resume. The airport subsequently confirmed that systems were being monitored as operations returned towards normal.
What Changes for Passengers
The immediate consequences were disrupted departures, delayed arrivals and cancellations affecting travellers using Perth Airport.
Live flight schedules showed delays involving Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, according to PerthNow's report on airline operations.
Jetstar confirmed that two of its flights had experienced delays directly associated with the power outage. The airline said it was monitoring developments and updating affected customers about their schedules.
Virgin Australia reported no flight cancellations during the day, although several delayed departures were still outstanding during the evening.
While terminal queues had returned to more normal lengths at Terminal 1 after electricity was restored, some aircraft continued operating behind schedule.
The distinction between restored electricity and restored flight schedules matters. Aircraft delayed earlier in the day can remain behind schedule even after airport systems become operational again.
Why This Is Happening
The disruption originated beyond the airport terminals, with authorities linking the power failure to a bushfire burning in Perth's foothills.
The fire was first reported at approximately 1.20pm on Thursday in the Kalamunda area. Emergency services subsequently issued warnings for residents near Bird Road, Panoramic Terrace, Ozone Terrace, Yorna Road and Alpine Road.
Nearly 20 Department of Fire and Emergency Services firefighting crews were deployed, supported by career firefighters and volunteers from several emergency response organisations.
The blaze was being treated as suspicious, although the supplied reports do not establish its cause.
Emergency warnings instructed residents in threatened areas to evacuate when safe. Holmes Road was among the roads closed as firefighters worked to contain the threat.
The emergency demonstrates how a disruption to electricity infrastructure outside an airport can affect essential aviation services. Terminal systems and aircraft movements depend on reliable power, making the restoration process more complicated than simply switching the lights back on.
By 5.32pm, the bushfire warning had been downgraded to Watch and Act, according to WAtoday, although emergency services continued advising residents against returning to the affected area.
When It Takes Effect
The disruption occurred on Thursday, 29 October 2026, with the airport reporting significant operational interruptions during the afternoon.
Western Power had initially indicated that electricity was likely to be restored around 7pm. However, some airport services returned from approximately 4pm, and generator power was operating by 5.15pm.
By the evening, terminal systems were progressively resuming normal operations. The Age reported at 9.45pm that services were slowly coming back online after every terminal had been affected.
No definitive time for clearing the remaining flight delays was provided in the available reports.
What Travellers Should Know
Perth Airport has advised passengers to expect continuing delays and confirm flight information directly with their airlines.
Travellers flying with Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar should consult their airline's latest departure information rather than assume their original itinerary remains unchanged.
Passengers connecting through Perth should also verify onward travel arrangements, particularly if an earlier flight has been delayed or cancelled.
There were no confirmed airport-wide ticketing changes or special rebooking arrangements in the available reports. Any alternative flight arrangements should therefore be confirmed directly with the operating airline.
People travelling through the Kalamunda area should also account for emergency road closures and follow current directions from emergency services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Perth Airport lose power?
Authorities linked the 29 October 2026 electricity outage to a bushfire burning in Perth's eastern foothills near Kalamunda.
Is Perth Airport open again?
Airport services progressively resumed during Thursday afternoon and evening, although some flight delays continued after systems were restored.
Which airlines were affected by the outage?
Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar appeared among airlines experiencing delays. Jetstar confirmed two delayed flights, while Virgin reported no cancellations.
Were flights cancelled at Perth Airport?
Yes. PerthNow reported cancellations associated with the outage, although the total number of cancelled services was not confirmed.
When was Perth Airport power restored?
Some services resumed around 4pm, and generator electricity was operating by 5.15pm on 29 October. Recovery continued into the evening.
Should passengers still go to Perth Airport?
Passengers should first check their airline's current flight information and follow any instructions issued about delays, cancellations or revised departures.