Thursday 25 September 2025

• Sydney Airport is forecasting 2.7 million passengers over the three-week September school holiday peak, 113,000 more than 2024.
• The forecast includes 1.62 million domestic passengers and 1.08 million international passengers marking the busiest international spring peak on record.
• Eleven of 15 new CT security lanes are now operating at T1, with all lanes due open by November, while the first new lanes at T2 will open in October.

Sydney Airport is gearing up for its busiest September school holiday period for international travel, with 1.08 million passengers forecast through the T1 International terminal between Monday, 22 September and Sunday, 12 October 2025.

This represents a 7 percent increase on 2024, and the highest number of international passengers ever recorded for a September peak.

On the domestic front, 1.62 million passengers are expected to travel through the T2 and T3 terminals, up 3 percent on last year. Combined, almost 2.7 million passengers will pass through the airport during the three-week period, 113,000 more than 2024.

The busiest day for international travel is forecast to be Saturday, 27 September, with more than 55,000 passengers expected.

With the AFL and NRL Grand Finals falling in the September peak, footy fans are expected to join holidaymakers in adding to the buzz across the terminals. Friday, 3 October is forecast to be the busiest domestic day, with close to 90,000 passengers as families and fans take off for the long weekend.

Top destinations this spring include Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, while international travel is strongest to New Zealand, the United States and China, with many passengers connecting through hubs like Singapore to reach Asia and Europe.

In preparation, Sydney Airport is boosting staffing across all terminals. For drop-offs some vehicles may be directed to the arrivals level during the peak times to improve traffic flow. Passengers can then access the departures level via lifts and escalators.

We recommend domestic passengers with hand luggage should arrive at least one hour before their flight, and two hours if checking in bags.

International passengers are advised to arrive three hours before departure, unless their airline provides different guidance.

For those planning to park, we recommend booking early to secure a spot.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “This is shaping up to be our busiest September holiday period for international travel, and we’re well prepared to welcome 2.7 million passengers across our three terminals.

“With international demand stronger than ever, and domestic travel continuing to grow, we’re focused on making sure every journey is smooth. We thank passengers for their patience as we deliver major upgrades, from faster security at T1 and T2 and new dining options at T3.

“Our advice is simple: plan ahead, check in online, and allow plenty of time to get to the airport during the peak.”

Upgrades across the terminals

At T1 International, eleven of 15 new CT security lanes are already in use, with the full rollout due by November. Once complete, the upgrade will boost screening capacity by almost 30 per cent and allow passengers to keep laptops, liquids and aerosols in their carry-on bags.

Installation of next generation checked baggage screening equipment is also underway across T1, T2 and T3, boosting security and capacity ahead of the summer peak.

At T2 Domestic, the $200 million upgrade is progressing, with the first two new security screening lanes set to open on Friday 10 October, in time for the final weekend of the school holidays.

Recent improvements include two new escalators and a partial staircase post-security, which opened in July. Work is also underway on four new lifts that will improve accessibility between check-in, concourse and arrivals.

The upgrade will deliver new security lanes, check-in kiosks and bag drop systems designed to more than double capacity and make the passenger journey faster and easier.

At T3 Domestic, works are underway on a major dining upgrade, with new options set to open from late 2025. Headlining the line-up is Icebergs, bringing a coastal Italian menu inspired by the iconic Bondi venue.

Icebergs will be joined by LouLou, Maggio’s and Lotus Dumpling Bar, alongside local favourites RaRa, Tres Tacos and Stitch Coffee. Together, they will deliver Sydney Airport’s most ambitious terminal dining upgrade yet.

Note to Editors

School holiday travel tips

To assist passengers during this period, Sydney Airport recommends the following:

• Check-in Online: Passengers are encouraged to check in online where possible to assist with departures
• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the airport at least one hour before domestic flights, and check in online with hand luggage, two hours if checking bags and three hours for international flights.
• Prepare for Screening: For passengers with an online boarding pass and hand luggage only, please proceed straight to security screening at T2 Domestic. All passengers ensure all carry-on items are easily accessible and follow the instructions of security staff to facilitate a smooth screening process.
• Check for Updates: Stay updated on flight information and security procedures by visiting the Sydney Airport website.

Updated security screening

In line with the Government mandated security requirements, Sydney Airport is currently upgrading security screening technology and processes across the T1 and T2 terminals.

During the works, passengers should follow the guidance of security staff and be advised that protocols may vary slightly across different terminals as follows:

• T1 International – Laptops and aerosols are not required to be removed from hand luggage. Government volume restrictions apply to powders, liquids, aerosols and gels, please refer to Home Affairs website for more information
• T2 Domestic – Laptops and aerosols will be required to be removed from hand luggage. From Friday, 10 October 2025, some lanes will not require the removal of laptops and aerosols from hand luggage.
• T3 Domestic – Laptops and aerosols are not required to be removed from hand luggage.

Shop, Reserve and Win this Spring at Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport is excited to launch Digital Concierge, digital shopping and reservation service on the SYD website connecting passengers to sales associates from their favourite luxe retailers. Passengers receive a personalised service and will be able to check product availability, reserve and/or pre-purchase items prior to departure. Learn more here.

Sydney Airport is giving eligible passengers the chance to WIN AUD $1 million in cash with SYD Millionaire! There are also weekly and monthly prizes, such as gift cards, luxury getaways, tech bundles, and more. To enter spend AUD$50 or more in a single transaction at any participating retailer in Sydney Airport’s Terminals 1, 2, or 3 during the promotional period (17/03/2025 – 08/01/2026).