Huge warning to millions of Aussie travellers

Two major Aussie airports will see millions of travellers walk through their terminals with several big warnings in place.

Travellers transiting through two major Aussie airports have been warned to brace themselves for one of the busiest periods of the year.

Sydney Airport and Brisbane Airport are preparing for a record-breaking winter travel season, with a combined forecast of 5.28 million passengers expected to pass through its domestic and international terminals during the June/July school holiday period.

As both airports are expecting millions of passengers, combined with construction works, they have advised travellers to be organised and allow for extra time before departure.

Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport is gearing up for what is set to be its busiest international winter travel period in the airport’s history.

It is expecting 1.54 million domestic passengers and 1.05 million international passengers to travel through the terminals between Monday, June 30 to Sunday, July 20.

This is compared to 1.48 million and 960,000, respectively, in 2024 – with this year’s figures up 6 per cent – or 150,000 more travellers – enough to fill 850 Boeing 737 aircraft.

“This is shaping up to be our busiest winter ever for international travel, which demonstrates the resilience of the sector in the face of geopolitical tensions and cost pressures,” Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said.

Sydney Airport is forecasting more than 2.5 million passengers in July, making it the busiest international winter travel period in the airport’s history. Picture: Greg Fonne / Sydney Airport

“More Australians are taking advantage of new destinations and extra capacity, and that’s reflected in the numbers we’re seeing through the terminal.”

She said to keep up with this demand, they’re investing in upgrades “to make the journey smoother”, from faster security screening to more efficient check in and improved border processing.

Currently, there are eight new Australian Border Force (ABF) SmartGate kiosks operating at T1 Arrivals, helping reduce wait times by 10 per cent. By early 2026, 32 additional SmartGates will be in place across the terminal, doubling the total number of kiosks.

Meanwhile, in the T2 Domestic terminal there are works underway for new security screening lanes, check-in kiosks, and bag drop systems.

As such, passengers have been warned to “plan ahead” with the busiest day for domestic travel expected to be Friday, July 4, with 81,000 passengers, and Saturday, July 12 for international with 54,000 passengers.

“With our upgrade program well underway, and some temporary changes in the terminals, we’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead; check-in online, pre-book parking, and allow plenty of time to get to the airport during the holidays.”

Sydney and Brisbane airports have advised passengers to allow for extra time to get to the airport, before their flights. Picture: David Crosling

The airport warned that for drop-offs some vehicles may be directed to the arrivals level during the peak times to improve traffic flow.

“Passengers can then access the departures level via lifts and escalators,” a Sydney Airport spokesperson said.

“We recommend domestic passengers with hand luggage should arrive at least one hour before their flight, and two hours if checking in bags.

“International passengers are advised to arrive three hours before departure, unless their airline provides different guidance.

“For those planning to park, we recommend booking early to secure a spot.”

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport is also preparing for a record-breaking winter travel season, with a forecast 2.78 million passengers expected to pass through its terminals during the June/July school holiday period.

Compared to the same period last year, Brisbane Airport is forecasting a 1.4 per cent passenger growth in the domestic terminal and 18.4 per cent growth in the international terminal.

The boost in figures is mostly thanks to the arrival of thousands of British and Irish Lions supporters, as the iconic rugby tour brings a wave of visitors to Queensland.

“We know when Brisbane Airport is busy, Queensland is thriving with travellers spreading down to the Gold Coast, north to the Great Barrier Reef and west to the delights of the Queensland outback in winter,” Brisbane Airport spokesperson, Peter Doherty said.

“On top of travellers chasing the sun, we’re also expecting thousands of rugby fans following the British and Irish Lions tour, and Brisbane won’t be able to miss them, with Suncorp Stadium hosting two games.”

The busiest day of the season is expected to be Friday, July 18, with a projected 82,400 passengers across both terminals, a figure that may equal or surpass the airport’s record for daily passenger numbers.

Mr Doherty said the airport is also undergoing works in both terminals and warned travellers to be organised.

“Passengers should continue to arrive the normal 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international service, and we have plenty of signage to help you through the terminal,” Mr Doherty said.

“The good news is that by Christmas we will be seeing the major works within the Domestic Terminal finishing giving travellers a new entry to the terminal and brand-new mezzanine level for security screening with standard 3 technology, allowing people to keep their laptops in their bags.”

He said with lots of people on the move, the highly popular Brisbane Airport therapy puppies will be in the terminal providing a calm distraction at various times during the school holiday period.