Filming at Check-in Counters and Security Screening

Sydney Airport Corporation is a private company with responsibility for the operation of the T1 (International) and T2 (Common User Domestic – used by airlines including Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Rex and other regional airlines) Terminals at Sydney Airport.

Sydney Airport has a close, daily, working relationship with Sydney’s key media.  As we have done in the past, Sydney Airport will continue to make every effort to assist media in obtaining footage for news and current affairs programming.  As part of this effort, SACL maintains a limited number of car spaces (marked with an ‘M’ for Media Parking) available for camera crews located on the Departures ramp at the International Terminal (T1) and on the Departures ramp at the Western end of Terminal 2 (T2). 

In recent times however, Sydney Airport has received complaints from our airline partners about news crews filming passengers and airline staff without obtaining their consent to being filmed.  This has proved to be a particular issue at check-in-counters and security screening points where passengers and staff can not freely move themselves away from the cameras.

The airlines advise that many staff and passengers do not feel comfortable with being filmed – even when they are in the background.

Given these concerns, news crews should note the following guidelines when visiting the airport:

·          SACL requires prior notice of any camera crew accessing airport facilities.  While we understand that “breaking news” does not always allow for a great deal of warning, we still require as much notice as possible.  This should be done by calling 9667 6470 or 9667 6187 or 0437 033 479.

·          Any requests for filming of check-in-counters and airline staff should in the first instance be made to the relevant airline.  If the airline’s consent is not obtained, permission from Sydney Airport to film will not be granted. 

·          Do not film security staff or people dealing with security equipment.