Fiji flight from Sydney diverted after tropical cyclone thwarts three landing attempts

A Fiji Airways flight carrying dozens of passengers from Sydney has had to divert after bad weather from a tropical cyclone thwarted three attempted landings at the Fijian tourism hub of Nadi.

Australian travellers diverted to Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, said some passengers had motion sickness and were "spewing up and down the aisles" while the aircraft tried landing in Fiji.

Fiji Airways on Tuesday said the flight from Sydney to Nadi was diverted to Tonga as a precautionary measure due to adverse weather conditions associated with Severe Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, which is impacting the region.

One passenger travelling on a family holiday described the experience as "hairy" but said she was glad the pilots diverted after the third landing attempt.

"There were a few yelps and there was a bit of motion sickness going on up there, which was obviously not ideal," she said.

"The wind shear was pretty crazy up there, so I'm glad that they made a decision to move on."

Another, who was travelling with his wife and three children, said the experience was "pretty dramatic".

"There were basically people spewing up and down the aisles. Fortunately, my kids were pretty good; they sat there half asleep or they were entertaining themselves," he said.

Jason Strickland, general manager at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku'alofa, said he was hosting about 80 passengers from the diverted flight.

"They thought their holiday was going to start three times, and then they were off to Tonga," he said.

"It's been tough, but we're organised and everyone's got food in their stomachs now and a few local beers to calm the nerves."

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu has brought heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds to Fiji, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website has warned flights may be delayed or cancelled and essential services may be disrupted.

Fiji's Meteorological Service on Tuesday evening said a heavy rain warning remained in force for the country and the cyclone was about 255 kilometres west-south-west of Nadi.

Fiji Airways said the decision to divert the aircraft was made in line with the airline's safety protocols.

"Safety remains the highest priority in all Fiji Airways operations, particularly during periods of severe weather," it said in a written statement on its website.

The aircraft would continue its journey to Nadi once conditions allowed, Fiji Airways said.

"Fiji Airways apologises for the inconvenience caused and appreciates the understanding and patience of all guests."

Fiji Airports said six international flights, including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia services, and all Fiji Link domestic flights, were cancelled due to bad weather brought on by Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.

-ABC