Travellers flying out of Sydney’s domestic airport are being warned to arrive much earlier than usual this upcoming school holidays, as families finally break free of COVID-19 lockdown shackles.
Passengers have been encouraged to get to the airport two hours before their flights leave, instead of the regular 60 minutes, with long lines and big waits expected at the terminal.
Sydney Airport general manager of operations Greg Hay said this Easter school holidays would trigger the most hectic environment in the airport since the start of the pandemic.
“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,” he 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.”
There is no change for people flying internationally, Mr Hay said, with those passengers advised to arrive three hours before departure.
New South Wales schools are scheduled to break for holidays at the end of next week, on April 8.
Domestic passenger numbers at Sydney airport have nearly doubled over the past six months, but international travel through the airport is well down on pre-pandemic levels.