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Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I arrive for my flight?

Check with your airline for any specific requirements, as these may differ depending on who you're travelling with.

Our recommendation is to arrive as close as possible to 2 hours prior to departure for domestic, and 3 hours prior for international flights, unless advised otherwise by your airline.

Where can I find items I left in the terminal or car park?

If you have lost something at one of our terminals or car parks, let us know by completing the form on our Lost Property page.

Please note, Lost property services at T1 and T2 are provided free of charge. Sydney Airport does not work with third party lost property services.

Do I need to book parking online?

Save up to 70% on parking at Sydney Airport when you pre-book online. The earlier you book the more you can save! If you haven't prebooked in advance, you can also just drive in, take a ticket, and pay the applicable drive-up rates on exit.

What sorts of events cause delays and cancellations?

We understand that delays and cancellations are inconvenient and frustrating. We’re always focused on getting you to that important meeting, home to your family or to your holiday destination. When delays do occur, the entire Sydney Airport team works closely with our airline and government partners to get you safely on your way as soon as we can.

There are a wide range of issues which can lead to delays and cancellations, including disruptive weather events, technology-related issues, aircraft-specific technical issues and emergency events. The extent to which these issues disrupt services can vary greatly. For instance, significant weather events such as storms, fog and even strong winds can potentially slow or halt operations for several hours. Following delay events, the extent to which we can clear the backlog and catch up is limited by federal government regulation.

Regulatory Limitations

Sydney Airport is restricted by a cap of a total of 80 take-offs and landings in any one hour, which is measured every 15 minutes. While not related to the safe operation of aircraft or the airport, the cap is in place to limit the effect of noise on the local community living immediately around the airport.

We take noise impact on our neighbours seriously. We recognise the importance of minimising our impact on surrounding communities and proactively take steps to mitigate noise impact, including:

  • Supporting and adhering to the 11pm to 6am curfew
  • Ensuring noise-sharing procedures are in place, meaning flights are divided across a number of flights paths to ensure each area is as minimally affected as possible
  • Encouraging and supporting the use of quieter, next-generation aircraft
  • Disclosing forecast future noise impacts through our Master Plans
  • Operating an online noise portal that allows local residents to quickly and easily learn about noise impacts in their area

The existing infrastructure can very safely accommodate up to 90 flights per hour to clear the backlog of flights after a disruption. However, the existing regulation does not allow us to increase the number of take offs and landings in any one hour following a major disruption, which prevents us from clearing backlogs, catching up on delayed flights and getting you on your way sooner.

Please be assured that our entire team is focused on getting you to your destination as quickly as we can within the limitations of the existing regulation.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

It is always best to check with your airline for the most up-to-date information and to make any necessary alternative arrangements.

Airline contact information can be found here.

What are the restrictions for powders, liquids, aerosols and gels (PLAGs) in carry on baggage?

If you're travelling overseas, there are restrictions on the quantity of liquids, aerosols and gels and some powders (PLAGs) you may carry onboard, including those purchased from duty free. These restrictions apply to all passengers leaving on international flights, as well as those transiting and/or travelling on the domestic leg of an international flight within Australia. Exemptions apply for medicines, medical products, medical devices and baby products that you may need during your journey.

Flights within Australia are not subject to PLAGs restrictions for onboard baggage. However, if you are travelling domestically, but departing from our T1 International, you are subject to powder, liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions.

Visit the Home Affairs website for more information.

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