The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has advised international travellers arriving in Sydney over the coming weeks will be subject to a cap on arrivals, and flights could be cancelled.

The news comes after a ban on international arrivals was introduced in Victoria, at the request of Premier Daniel Andrews, to ease hotel quarantine demands in the state.

New Commonwealth limits have now been introduced in NSW, which came into effect on Saturday, at the request of the state government, ABC News reported.

DFAT has warned a limit of 450 passengers per day will be applied to international flights arriving in Sydney. According to NSW Health, a maximum of 50 passengers will be allowed per incoming flight.

“In response to a request from the Victorian government, no international passenger flights will arrive in Melbourne from 1 to 14 July,” DFAT’s Smartraveller guidance said.

“There’s now pressure on Sydney’s quarantine facilities. A limit of 450 passengers per day will be applied to international flights arriving in Sydney 4 to 17 July inclusive. This period may be extended.

“If you’re scheduled to fly into Sydney in the coming days and weeks, confirm your itinerary and onward travel plans with your airline.”

The Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom advised travellers flying from the UK could be asked to arrive in another Australian city.

“You should make arrangements to accommodate a potential disruption,” it said in an update.

“We appreciate that these measures will have impacts on the commercial operations of airlines and the immediate travel plans of Australian citizens.

“We encourage Australians who have made travel plans to return to Australia over the next two weeks to contact their airlines as soon as possible to see what alternative arrangements are available.”

Featured image source: iStock/Boeing746