Record-breaking passenger numbers at Sydney Airport

This major Australian airport is expecting record-breaking passenger numbers today as it braces for the busy holiday period.

Today is expected to be the busiest day for domestic travel at the Sydney Airport since 2019, with more than 81,000 passengers to depart or arrive in the city.

In total, 5.8 million people are expected to travel through the airport’s terminals from December 13 to January 27.

It will have 2.5 million international passengers alone pass through the T1 International terminal, making it the busiest Christmas season for overseas travel since 2019 – an 8 per cent increase on last year.

On the domestic front, 3.3 million passengers are expected to travel through the T2 and T3 Domestic terminals, a 9 per cent uplift on 2023.

Sydney Airport is forecasting 5.8 million passengers during the Christmas and New Year period. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

The busiest day for international travel is on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with over 62,000 passengers.

Melbourne Airport is also expecting its busiest summer with 4.8 million passengers forecast to pass through the airport between December 13 and January 27, including more than 1.8 million international travellers, which would be a new record.

“This holiday season is expected to be busy, and while there may be queues during the busy period, we will have plenty of staff on hand to ensure passengers get away safely,” Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport said in a statement.

December 13 is the peak travel day for domestic and January 4 for international.

He explained that while the airport will have increased staffing and are activating overflow drop-off zones at terminals, “we strongly encourage passengers to plan ahead and allow ample time for their journey”.

“With our multimillion-dollar capital program currently underway, which includes significant construction works and security upgrades, passenger journeys may be different than usual,” he warned.

Passengers have been warned to plan ahead also with the $200 million transformation underway, there will be construction works.

The $200 million transformation will see most passengers travel from the kerbside to airside in less than 15 minutes with streamlined check-in, faster security and updated facilities.

“Once completed, these upgrades will significantly enhance the passenger experience, but in the short term, there may be some disruptions,” Mr Charlton said.

“We would like to thank passengers for their patience during the holidays as we work to deliver these important improvements and look forward to welcoming them this holiday season.

The new layout will introduce more self-service kiosks and new bag drop technology. Picture: Supplied

The new layout will introduce more self-service kiosks and new bag drop technology, going from processing 1500 bags per hour at peak times, to 1800 bags per hour by 2026.

Works are due to be completed by the end of 2025.

Meanwhile, domestic travellers with hand luggage are advised to arrive one hour before departure, while those checking in bags should allow two hours.

International passengers should aim to arrive three hours prior to departure unless their airline provides different guidance.

Passengers are encouraged to check Sydney Airport’s website for real-time updates on kerbside wait times and flight statuses.

Vehicles may also be redirected to drop off at the arrivals level during peak times.

For those planning to park, early bookings are advised to secure a spot.