Australian national carrier Qantas Airrways Ltd (ASX: QAN) has provided additional flights and capacity out of Cairns and Townsville on Tuesday evening ahead of expected extreme weather conditions resulting from Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

On 1 February 2011, Qantas said it will operate two additional Boeing 737 services from Cairns to Brisbane, as follows: QF1343, departing Cairns at 1835 and arriving in Brisbane at 2045; and QF1341, departing Cairns at 1900 and arriving in Brisbane at 2110.

The Fying Kangaroo will also upgrade QF977 from Townsville to Brisbane from a Boeing 737 to a Boeing 767, providing an additional 85 seats. QF977 departs Townsville at 1935 and arrives in Brisbane at 2120.

Qantas said it is closely monitoring weather conditions and potential operational impacts on airports in Queensland and will make further decisions about services to Cairns and Townsville as the situation develops.

“Qantas is working closely with the Queensland Government and will provide as much as assistance as possible to affected communities,” the carrier said.

“During the recent flooding in Queensland, Qantas added extra flights for regional areas and uplifted emergency services personnel and emergency freight, as well as offering considerable fundraising assistance.

Fare waiver options are available for Qantas customers holding bookings for flights to and from Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Hamilton Island and Moranbah who do not wish to travel.