Learning takes off at free educational airport tours

Not all learning happens in the classroom. It can happen at check in, in the terminal, at the aviation fire station and up close and personal with planes on the airfield.

Which is exactly what’s been happening for many local stage 3 primary school students who’ve been swapping the classroom for the bustling world planes, passengers and travel at Sydney Airport.

Sydney Airport has welcomed more than 2,000 curious young minds from dozens of schools to explore the world of aviation since launching free local school tours in 2024.

School Tour highlights include:

1. Terminal tour – Discover the teamwork that keeps the airport running smoothly 
2. Caring for Country – Learn from Wildflower, our First Nations landcare experts
3. Detector dogs – See how they sniff out items to keep us safe 
4. Airfield exploration – Get up close to aircrafts and our 3 runways  
5. Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service – See emergency crews in action and put your skills to the test

Sydney Airport’s free tours earning high marks from teachers

The free school tours have been taking learning to new heights – and the kids and schools are seeing the benefits.

"The children enjoyed all aspects of the tour. The experiences were stimulating and the timing was great.” – Assistant Principal, Bridge Road School.

"Our kids had the best day, and it was a great mixture of learning and fun! Thank you also for providing this great experience at no cost! The kids will remember the day for a long time!" – Assistant Principal, Chifley Public School.

And it’s not just the teachers with high praise.

One of the kids from a recent tour said:

“This is the best day ever, can I come back tomorrow?"

Another student loved it so much they want to stay longer next time, saying:

“Can we come to the airport on school camp?” 

School tours inspire the next generation of aviation minds

Local students from the communities surrounding Sydney Airport get to explore parts of the airport most people never see. With hands-on activities and real-world insights into airport operations – it’s an unforgettable excursion designed to inspire inquisitive learners.

Kristen Sweeney, Group Executive, People & Corporate Affairs from Sydney Airport said welcoming local schools to the airport for a day of fun and learning is one of the ways we proudly give back to our community.

“We know kids love excursions, and learning can happen anywhere. To be a part of their education journey and inspire these young people who are so enthusiastic, so inquisitive and interested in aviation, is rewarding and exciting.

“Our airport teams love showing the school students what goes on behind the scenes to discover how a busy airport operates. We are proud to support these learning opportunities and to share our passion for aviation with local kids – our future talent – who may one day return as Airport Duty Managers, Sustainability Managers or even our future CEO,” said Ms Sweeney.

By opening the doors to behind-the-scenes airport operations, the tours are helping spark curiosity, broaden career awareness and create memorable learning experiences for students.

Is your school near Sydney Airport and keen to get your students involved? Reach out to our team at  community@syd.com.au  to find out more and register your interest.