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With the possibility of severe weather approaching this week, be sure to monitor updates from your airline regarding the status of your flight.
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Travelling over the July school holidays? Here are some terminal updates and travel tips to help plan your journey.

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We are preparing for a bumper school holiday period, with almost 2.6 million passengers set to travel through the terminals from Monday 30 June to Sunday 20 July 2025.

We'll have increased staff to help passengers move through terminals and will redirect vehicles dropping off passengers to arrival levels during peak periods.

Travel tips

  • Arrive early: Plan to arrive at least one hour before your domestic flight if you have only hand luggage, two hours if checking in bags, and three hours before your international flight.
  • Prepare for screening: Ensure that all carry-on items are easily accessible and follow the instructions of security staff for a smoother screening process.
  • Check for updates: Stay informed about flight status by registering for updates via our Messenger and WhatsApp channels.
  • Pre-book parking: Early bookings are advised to secure a spot.

Security screening updates

In line with the Government mandated security requirements, we are currently upgrading security screening technology and processes at the T1 International and T2 Domestic terminals.

Follow the guidance of security staff and be advised that protocols may vary slightly across different terminals.

  • 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 the Home Affairs website for more information.
  • T2 Domestic – Passengers will need to remove laptops and aerosols from their hand luggage.
  • T3 Domestic – Laptops and aerosols are not required to be removed from hand luggage.

Upgrades at T1 International

Works are continuing at the T1 International terminal to roll out 15 new screening lanes, featuring advanced CT scanning technology, with nine new lanes already in operation.

This upgrade will boost screening capacity by nearly 30 percent, allowing passengers to leave liquids and aerosols in their carry-on luggage, while increasing passenger throughput from 4,500 to 5,850 passengers per hour.

The project will reorient security screening ahead of passport control to make passenger flow more efficient and reduce wait times, with the full 15 lane upgrade expected to be completed by the end of the year.

For arriving passengers, eight new Australian Border Force (ABF) SmartGate kiosks are now operating at T1 Arrivals, processing an extra 640 passengers an hour.

By early 2026, 32 additional SmartGates will be in place across the terminal, doubling the number of kiosks.

Major redevelopment at T2 Domestic

Work is progressing on the $200 million upgrade to the T2 Domestic terminal, with the upgrade aimed at getting passengers from kerb to gate in 15 minutes.

The project includes new security screening lanes, check-in kiosks, and bag drop systems, all designed to make the journey faster and easier.

The new next-generation security technology and state-of-the-art scanners will be in place by the summer peak and will allow passengers to leave laptops and aerosols in their hand luggage.

Accessibility will be improved with dedicated security lanes for family and assistance passengers, along with new lifts after security with easier access to food courts and lounges.

To find out more about the T2 Domestic terminal upgrades, click here.

Winter activities and offers at SYD

For passengers heading overseas, Wise, a global currency app that helps travellers save on foreign exchange fees, is offering free barista-made coffee to new and existing members at T1 International from 6:30am to 12:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Those wanting a memento from home can also visit the Akubra pop-up, showcasing the iconic Australian brand’s hats and accessories during this holiday period at T1 International.

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).