'What a farce': Chaos at Sydney Airport AGAIN
The "perfect storm" for chaos continued on Saturday, with thousands swarming Sydney Airport while several flights were delayed.
Pictures and videos of the mayhem were shared on social media, showing huge lines at the airport, resulting in heavy delays.
One person shared a picture of the domestic terminal at Sydney Airport at 5.40am on Reddit, with one user saying the scene looked like a "disaster evacuation centre".
"What a farce," someone else remarked.
The chaos can be attributed to the start of the Easter school holidays, staff shortages at the airport and the Melbourne Grand Prix.
One passenger said on Twitter they waited two hours in the check-in queue, adding there were only three counters open for three "major" international flights.
"Passenger numbers were known ahead of today. Not cool," they said.
Sydney Airport seemingly had a number of domestic flights delayed or cancelled on Saturday.
Journalist Kate McClymont was sent a picture of the Jetstar terminal at 5.30am this morning, saying the passenger was there for a 7am flight.
"Imagine what it’s going to be like as the day progresses," Ms McClymont said.
— Indigo44 (@Indigo441) April 8, 2022
It’s barely dawn and it’s chaos again at Sydney airport. Was sent this by someone who got to the airport at 5.30am for a 7am flight. Imagine what it’s going to be like as the day progresses. pic.twitter.com/ayUlqJQkJg
— Kate McClymont (@Kate_McClymont) April 8, 2022
On Friday, Sydney Airport Chief Executive, Geoff Culbert said the airport was currently facing a "perfect storm".
“Traffic numbers are picking up, travellers are inexperienced after two years of not travelling, and the close contact rules are making it hard to fill shifts and staff the airport," he told Yahoo News Australia in a statement.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce made similar remarks, but later backtracked saying he was not blaming passengers.
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In late March, Sydney Airport said it was expected the Easter school holiday period would be the busiest time for domestic air travel in two years.
Passengers were asked to arrive two hours before their flight.
“To help manage queues at security checkpoints and make sure everyone gets away on time, we’re encouraging domestic travellers to arrive two hours ahead of their scheduled departure," Greg Hay, Sydney Airport General Manager of Operations said.
“We know arriving two hours ahead is going to mean some early starts but we want to see everyone clear security quickly and safely and get to where they’re going.”
A Sydney Airport spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph by mid-morning things were moving smoothly at the airport, with lines clearing by 7.30am and people waiting less than 30 minutes.
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