Travel Advisory Issued as Two Powerful Cyclones Approach Popular Pacific Island Destinations

On Tuesday, Cyclone Maila was located near Fiji, while Cyclone Vaianu was positioned between the Solomon Islands and eastern Papua New Guinea. Both were classified as severe tropical cyclones.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade cautioned travelers in the impacted areas about the possibility of intense winds, torrential rain, and sudden flooding.

Smartraveller advised, “Be aware of your accommodation’s evacuation plan. If a cyclone is heading your way, locate the nearest shelter and adhere to guidance from local officials.”

‘Know your accommodation’s evacuation plan. If a cyclone is approaching your area, find your nearest shelter and follow the advice of local authorities,’ Smartraveller said.

Cyclones have the potential to disrupt transport and other essential services.

Ground operations at Nadi International Airport were temporarily suspended due to poor conditions on Tuesday morning.

Travellers who are concerned their flights could be affected by a cyclone were urged to contact their airline or travel provider. 

Cyclone Maila is not expected to impact Australia but may hit New Zealand by the weekend, including its largest city – Auckland.

Cyclone Maila caused ground operations to be suspended at Nadi International Airport (above) on Tuesday morning

The cyclone near Fiji (right) is expected to move toward New Zealand while the cyclone near Papua New Guinea (left) is forecast to cross the Far North Queensland coast

The system is currently ‘causing heavy rain and strong winds as it passes west of Fiji and east of Vanuatu, without making landfall in either nation’, Weatherzone meteorologist Anthony Sharwood said.

Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to make landfall in Far North Queensland in the coming days.

‘The relatively slow-moving system is projected to impact the far southeastern tip of PNG by Friday morning,’ Mr Sharwood said.

‘It’s then expected to move towards the Far North Queensland coast by the weekend, potentially making landfall over the weekend or early next week.

‘At this stage, it is not known how strong the cyclone is likely to be if and when it crosses the Australian coastline.’

The Bureau of Meteorology upgraded Tropical Cyclone Maila to a category four system on Tuesday afternoon.

‘Maila is expected to remain well away from the Queensland coast during the next few days, but from late week Maila is forecast to be moving towards the Far North Queensland coast,’ it said.

‘It may cross the Cape York Peninsula during the weekend or early next week.’