'It's mental': Chaos at Sydney and Melbourne airports as strong winds cancel flights

Wind gusts of up to 70km/h are creating havoc at Sydney Airport, with dozens of flights cancelled and many delayed as the airport operates with only one runway.

At least 28 flights out of Sydney and 25 flights out of Melbourne Airport have also been cancelled, while a Qantas flight incoming from Los Angeles to Sydney was forced to abort a landing.

Frustrated travellers took to Twitter to vent about the delays, with one woman saying she has missed her birthday weekend with her family because of the cancellations.

Others blasted the airlines and airport for lack of communication.

One delayed passenger photographed the growing crowds, describing the chaos with the caption: ‘It’s mental.’

Sydney Airport advised customers in a Tweet to contact their airline for further information.

Jetstar, Virgin, Qantas and TigerAir flights have all been effected, both at the domestic and international airports.

“Our priority is getting as many people as we can to where they need to be and we have all staff on,” a Virgin Australia spokeswoman told AAP.

Bureau meteorologist Rose Barr said Sydney Airport had been hit with “fairly significant” winds, with gusts reaching up to 70km/h.

Winds are expected to ease by Friday evening but will stick around for the weekend, she said.

The winds are part of a massive weather system that threw a blanket of dust over Sydney on Thursday, and is set to generate more unusual conditions in NSW – including possible blizzards in the Alpine areas.

Meanwhile, damaging winds with gusts of up to 120km/h are expected east of Orbost, in Victoria, on Friday.

The State Emergency Service has urged locals to move cars away from trees, secure loose items and keep clear of fallen power lines.

Further south, Tasmanian police are dealing with several calls about fallen trees in north-eastern parts of the state, with drivers urged to take extra care on the roads.