Perth Airport Power Outage: Bushfire Damages Power Lines as Flight Delays Hit Passengers

Travellers passing through Perth Airport have been warned to prepare for delays after a power outage disrupted terminal operations on Thursday, October 29. The disruption affected check-in and baggage systems, creating additional pressure on passengers and airlines during the afternoon travel period.

The outage was linked to a bushfire that damaged power lines supplying the airport, according to reporting citing Western Power. Perth Airport confirmed that terminal operations had been affected and urged passengers to expect delays, while emphasising that safety and security remained its priority. 

The airport later said services were progressively returning across its terminals, although delays were still expected. Western Power's estimated restoration time was around 7:30 pm local time, according to the latest reports available for this article. That was an estimate, not confirmation that power had been restored.

What caused the Perth Airport power outage?

The outage was linked to a bushfire affecting power lines that supply Perth Airport. Western Power was working with Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services to restore electricity.

The disruption highlights how damage to external electricity infrastructure can affect airport operations even when the airport itself is not directly affected by a fire. Check-in equipment, baggage handling and other terminal services depend on reliable power, and interruptions can create delays while systems are restored.

Authorities were also managing the separate bushfire situation in the Perth Hills. Residents in the Kalamunda area had been warned about fire-related hazards, including fallen trees and power lines. The airport disruption and the fire response were connected through the reported damage to electricity infrastructure.

Which flights and airlines are affected?

Flight schedules showed delays involving Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar. Jetstar confirmed that two of its flights had experienced delays because of the outage and said it was monitoring the situation and updating affected customers.

The reports did not establish that every flight had been delayed or that all services were cancelled. Inbound flights were still able to land, according to News.com.au, but passengers faced disruption on the ground as check-in and baggage systems were affected.

Travellers should check their specific flight rather than rely on general reports about the airport. A flight may operate while departing later than scheduled, and delays can continue even after electricity is restored as airlines work through the backlog.

Are Perth Airport terminals operating normally again?

Perth Airport said terminal services were progressively returning to operation, but warned that delays could continue. Restoring power does not necessarily return every airport process to normal immediately. Baggage systems, check-in queues and airline schedules may take additional time to recover.

The airport said it would provide further updates as more information became available. Passengers should check the official Perth Airport departures and arrivals page and their airline's own flight-status service before leaving for the airport.

When will power be restored at Perth Airport?

Western Power's outage estimate put restoration at approximately 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 29, according to reports published that afternoon. The estimate could change as repair crews assess the damage and carry out restoration work.

Passengers should not treat that time as a guarantee that all terminal operations or flight schedules will immediately return to normal. Anyone travelling that evening should check for updates from Perth Airport, Western Power and their airline.

What should passengers do if their flight is delayed?

Passengers with flights scheduled for Thursday evening should take a few practical steps:

• Check the airline's official website or app for the latest departure time.

• Confirm whether online check-in is available and follow the airline's instructions.

• Allow extra time at the airport if travelling, while checking with the airline before setting out.

• Keep an eye on messages from the airline, particularly if baggage handling or check-in procedures have changed.

• If a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, contact the airline directly about rebooking and passenger assistance.

Avoid relying solely on screenshots or social media posts that may contain outdated flight information. Live schedules can change quickly during an operational disruption.

What happens next?

The immediate priority is restoring electricity and bringing affected airport services back to normal. Perth Airport has said that services were progressively returning, but delays remained possible.

The situation will depend on repair progress and how quickly airlines can clear disruptions to their schedules. Travellers should continue checking official updates rather than assuming the airport is operating normally simply because power restoration has been estimated.