Australian national carriers Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX:QAN) has suspended flights to and from Cairns and Townsville airports until Friday 4 February following the closure of both airports today in response to tropical cyclone Yasi.

In light of the extreme weather conditions expected in northern Queensland over the next 24 to 48 hours, Qantas will not operate flights to and from either airport today (2 February) or tomorrow (3 February).

Qantas said it is monitoring weather patterns in the region closely and will make further operational decisions as the circumstances require.

On Tuesday 1 February, the airline provided six additional flights from Cairns to Brisbane to assist with evacuation efforts. Extra capacity was also provided out of Townsville.

Qantas said fare waiver options are available for customers holding bookings for flights to and from airports in the affected regions.

It said it is working closely with the Queensland Government and will provide as much as assistance as possible to affected communities over the coming days.