Sydney International Airport has a holiday message for travellers – plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time.
The caution comes ahead of an expected record surge in traffic, driven by international passengers.
The airport expects 5.84 million passengers to pass through for the holidays, up 3% on last year due to 2.7 million international passengers with 3.14 million domestic passengers.
It expects December 12 to be peak travel day for domestic passengers while the busiest day for international passengers should be January 3, 2026.
“This holiday season will be our busiest ever internationally,” airport CEO Scott Charlton says.
He says the most popular destinations are New Zealand (with a 19% growth in travel expected), China (up 6.5%), the US, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (up 11%).
For domestic destinations, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast are expected to be the most popular with demand to Adelaide and Hobart increasing.
SYDNEY AIRPORT UPGRADES
“With millions of people on the move there may be some queues at peak periods and the roads around the airport will be busy, but we will have additional staff in the terminals and kerbside every day to help passengers get away safely,” Charlton says.
He says “many” of their screening and security upgrades are complete, such as new security screening at the T1 and T2 terminals, as well as new automatic bag drops, lifts and escalators at T2.
“These upgrades use the latest screening technology to improve safety and help most passengers move through screening in under 10 minutes,” he says.
“A number of projects will continue into 2026 so it’s important that passengers plan ahead, check in online and allow plenty of time for their journey.”
He also cautions about travel in early January.
“Early January will be busy with tourists visiting and Australians returning home; this could put some pressure on international arrivals areas which we know are a pinch point.”
Charlton says Sydney Airport is “working closely” with agencies to minimise any impact on passengers.
“We are working with the government to install more SmartGate kiosks in 2026 but in the meantime, there will be the occasional queue at the border, and we thank everyone in advance for their patience.”
TRAVEL TIPS
- Arrive early: Arrive at least one hour before a domestic flight if you have only hand luggage, two hours if checking in bags and three hours before an international flight.
- Prepare for screening: Laptops and aerosols can remain in your bag at all terminals. Follow the instructions of security staff.
- Check for updates: Stay informed about flight status and security procedures by visiting the Sydney Airport website at www.sydneyairport.com.au
- Book parking early: Secure a spot in advance; parking and transport options are available.
The airport is also reminding passengers that laptops and aerosols are not required to be removed from hand luggage across all three of its terminals.
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