‘Busiest in years’: Airline’s warning ahead of bumper Easter long weekend

Aussies looking to get away this Easter long weekend are being warned to plan ahead to avoid potential airport chaos.

The Easter break is tipped to be even busier than usual this year, with airlines ramping up their operations to prepare for hundreds of thousands of Aussies taking to the skies.

Between the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, nearly two million passengers are expected to travel through Qantas and Jetstar’s domestic and international networks.

More than 840,000 are booked to travel through the Easter long weekend alone.

More than 840,000 people are expected to fly with Qantas and Jetstar over the Easter long weekend. Picture: NewsWire Handout

Thursday and Easter Monday are set to be the busiest travel days of the Easter long weekend, followed by the Sunday following Anzac Day.

“With this year’s Easter long weekend expected to be one of our busiest in recent years, our teams have worked hard to be ready for the hundreds of thousands of customers who’ll be flying with us,” Qantas Domestic chief executive Markus Svensson said.

“Our operations are in a strong position coming into the April holidays, with more than 80 per cent of our domestic flights departing on time each month and international flights also performing well.”

Airlines have warned travellers to take extra time to prepare ahead of their holidays. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully said it was the biggest travel period for the airline.

“Following significant growth across our low fares network, this will be Jetstar’s biggest Easter peak ever as we carry more than 400,000 customers over the five-day Easter long weekend,” she said.

To accommodate the extra load, additional pilots and crew have been rostered during the busy period, and six spare aircraft will be ready on standby.

Those taking a domestic trip during the long weekend have been urged to arrive at least one to two hours ahead of their flight, and international travellers are encouraged to arrive three to four hours before their flight departs.

Checking in online can also save time at the airport, the airline said.

Travellers have been cautioned to stay within their baggage limits too, and check travel requirements before heading to the airport to prevent any delays.

It will be the busiest Easter holidays in recent years. Picture: NewsWire Handout

It is expected to be just as busy across the ditch, with more than 65,000 Australians expecting to board Air New Zealand flights thorugh the long weekend - a 35 per cent increase from the same time last year.

Almost two-thirds of Aussie travellers will land in Auckland, with most departing from Sydney or Melbourne.

“Easter has always been a popular time for trans-Tasman travel, but this year we’re seeing a surge like never before,” Air New Zealand general manager for Australia Kathryn O’Brien said.

“With increased demand, we encourage travellers to plan ahead and allow plenty of time at

the airport for a smooth journey.

“We’re excited to welcome record numbers of Australians on board this Easter and deliver the warm Kiwi hospitality we’re known for.”

Originally published as ‘Busiest in years’: Airline’s warning ahead of bumper Easter long weekend