Qantas is under fire for forcing young families and the elderly to spend the night on the floor of a Queensland airport.

A Qantas flight from Sydney to Brisbane last week was forced to stop over in Maroochydore for the night as a result of intense storms.

Ben Fordham Live has been told the captain informed the passengers they’d receive food and accommodation from Qantas.

But, Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers were given priority and the remainder of the passengers were told to make their own arrangements close to midnight.

Groups were left to sleep on the terminal floor with only Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyers receiving pyjamas and full amenity kits.

Qantas has since “sincerely apologised for the disruption” in a statement.

Press PLAY below to hear the details in full

Full Qantas statement: 

“This photo was taken more than a week ago during the severe Brisbane flooding.

“Our Sydney to Brisbane flight diverted to Maroochydore Airport as it would have been unsafe to land in Brisbane due to the storms.

“Our teams always work their hardest to look after our customers during unforeseen disruptions.

“There was limited last-minute hotel availability on the Sunshine Coast and busing passengers to Brisbane wasn’t an option due to the condition of the roads.

“Our team was able to find rooms for a number of passengers, particularly those most in need. Some customers chose to find their own transport and accommodation for the evening and were provided the details for reimbursement, and others stayed in the terminal overnight which is always a last resort.

“Customers in the terminal were provided with water, hot drinks, food and the limited number of available overnight kits. Additional team members came in to provide support and stayed overnight at the airport with passengers.

“We sincerely apologise to our customers for the disruption.”