Tuesday 6 December 2022

• More than 2.2 million people set to pass through Sydney Airport during the Christmas peak, representing busiest holiday period since 2019
• Forecast includes 1.4 million domestic passengers and more than 800,000 international passengers
• Sydney Airport will have 60 extra staff on daily to help during busy holiday period

Sydney Airport is gearing up for its busiest Christmas in three years with more than 2.2 million passengers forecasted to pass through the terminals during the peak holiday period from 12 December to 1 January, an 82 per cent recovery compared to the same period in 2019.

The airport’s domestic terminals will welcome more than 1.4 million passengers between December 12 and New Year’s Day, a 91 per cent recovery on the same period in 2019.

Overseas travel is steadily growing with over 800,000 passengers forecasted to come through Sydney Airport’s international terminal during this period, representing a 71 per cent recovery on 2019 levels.

Passenger volumes have been building across each successive school holiday period in 2022, with 1.80 million passengers coming through Sydney Airport in the April school holidays, 1.96 million over the June/July holidays and 2.04 million in September.

Jobs recovery continuing

The 800 businesses at Sydney Airport are closing in on pre-COVID levels of employment, which in 2019 was collectively circa 33,000 employees. The improved resourcing environment has translated into improved operational performance, with 95 percent of domestic passengers clearing security screening checkpoints in less than 10 minutes throughout November.

Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said the airport is ready and excited to welcome passengers during the biggest holiday period since 2019.

“This is Australia’s first Christmas without COVID restrictions and it’s great to see people back flying and enjoying travel again.

“Some parts of the operation are still fragile, and we estimate we are around 2,000 employees short of where we need to be, but are working hard to make sure most passengers will have a typical pre-COVID Christmas experience at the airport – busy but not chaotic.

“The 10 days leading up to Christmas are going to be the busiest, and we’re continuing to ask passengers to arrive two hours prior departure for domestic flights, and three hours ahead for international.

“As many families head away to enjoy some time off over summer the staff at Sydney airport will be working around the clock to help get passengers on their way. Every day we will have more than 60 additional customer service staff helping passengers through this peak period.

“We want to wish everyone safe and happy travels this Christmas and thank passengers in advance for being kind and patient with each other and with airport staff during this busy period.”

6 tips for travellers over the Christmas holidays

1. Check-in online. Save time by downloading the app for the airline you’re flying and check-in before you get to the airport.
2. Get to the airport early. 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
3. Check-in wrapped presents. Yule be sorry if your perfectly wrapped gifts need to be unwrapped during security screening if you take them in your carry-on luggage.
4. Pre-book parking. The car parks will be busy over the holidays, especially at the domestic terminals, so book ahead online to secure a spot.
5. Label your luggage. Remove old tags and flight barcodes, secure any loose luggage straps and make sure your bags and suitcases are labelled with your up-to-date contact information.
6. Pack your patience. The airport is always busy at Christmas time, so please be kind and patient to your fellow travellers and airport staff.