Major delays at Sydney Airport have been avoided after an earlier issue with a lack of air traffic controller staff was resolved.

Staff shortages almost forced Airservices to cancel all flights from 3.30pm to 4pm, potentially causing major delays for fans flying out of Sydney to watch NRL and AFL finals games this weekend.

Earlier today, Airservices was forced to limit flights to four minutes apart due to the lack of staff.

In a statement, Airservices attributed the delays to "a number of unwell air traffic controllers at Sydney Tower".

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"Airservices Australia has resolved the staffing issue affecting Sydney Airport and will now be able to provide an uninterrupted departure service this afternoon,"

"Over the past 12 mon

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