Airport warning to Aussie travellers ahead of Easter: 'Bustling'
Sydney Airport is looking to avoid the chaos and delays of last year's Easter break.
Australia's largest airport has warned travellers heading on holiday this Easter to be prepared for "bustling" terminals as the tourism industry continues its recovery.
Sydney Airport has been plagued with problems in recent years, largely due to staff shortages amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It has led to chaotic scenes, including lengthy delays and queues spiralling out of the terminal doors.
During last year's Easter Holidays, Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert partially blamed Aussies who'd forgotten how to travel properly for the disorder inside the airport.
And while the airport predicts more than double the amount of travellers heading overseas this Easter compared to last year, and the largest number of overall passengers since before the pandemic began, airport bosses are stressing it can cope with the influx.
It is so confident of its capabilities, the airport has reduced its recommended airport arrival time for domestic departures from two hours to one if passengers only have hand luggage.
“We are ready and excited this Easter school holidays to welcome the largest number of passengers we’ve seen since Christmas 2019. Despite the steep airfares, it’s clear that many Australians are prioritising an Easter holiday," Mr Culbert said.
The airport says staff levels are nearing a pre-pandemic state, meaning operations have "significantly improved".
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Make sure you have a plan, airport warns
"The terminals are going to be bustling, but our staff will be working around the clock to get passengers away to enjoy their Easter break," Sydney Airport COO Sidone Thomas said.
She advised all travellers to ensure they have a plan in place for their arrival to the airport to ensure everything goes smoothly.
"If you’re parking at the terminals, ensure you book ahead to guarantee your spot," she added.
International passengers are advised to still arrive three hours prior to departure.
It comes as Qantas announced it will operate a further 57 return domestic services per week between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The airline is now operating at 93 per cent of its pre-Covid capacity. The flag carrier of Australia has also agreed to a new pay deal for cabin crew, ending threats of industrial action, The Australian reported.
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