Airport closures have already begun due to the wild weather brought by category two Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall between the Gold Coast and southern parts of the Wide Bay region as a category two cyclone early Friday.
Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia cancelled all flights in and out of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport on Wednesday and Thursday – a total of 22 flights that were scheduled to arrive or depart the holiday hotspot.
Gold Coast Airport will close as of 4pm local time on Wednesday. There will be no access to the terminal building, with people seeking shelter directed to the closest evacuation centre (Burleigh Waters Community Centre). A reopening time has not been announced.
Qantas Group said its airlines, including Jetstar, will not operate any flights to and from the Gold Coast for at least 24 hours after the airport is closed.