Monday 30 June 2025

• Sydney Airport is forecasting more than 2.5 million passengers during the winter school holiday period
• Busiest winter holidays for international travel on record with one million passengers expected
• Friday 4 July is peak travel day for domestic, Saturday 12 July busiest day for international

Sydney Airport is gearing up for a bumper school holiday period, with almost 2.6 million passengers expected to travel through the terminals between Monday 30 June to Sunday 20 July 2025.

International travel is leading the growth, with more than one million passengers expected through the T1 International terminal, a 9 percent increase on the same period in 2024. This makes it the busiest winter school holiday travel period in the airport’s history.

On the domestic front, more than 1.5 million passengers will travel through the T2 and T3 Domestic terminals, up 4 percent on 2024.

Overall passenger numbers are up 6 per cent compared to the same 21-day period in 2024, with 150,000 more travellers expected this year, enough to fill 850 Boeing 737 aircraft.

Warmer destinations are in demand this winter, with strong passenger uptake on new and expanded services to Hong Kong, Istanbul and Vietnam.

Travellers should plan ahead and allow extra time, with the busiest day for domestic travel expected to be Friday 4 July, with 81,000 passengers, and Saturday 12 July for international with 54,000 passengers.

In preparation, Sydney Airport is boosting staffing across all terminals. 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.

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.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “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.

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

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

“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.”

T1 International upgrades underway to improve passenger experience

Works are continuing across the T1 international terminal to roll out 15 new security screening lanes with advanced CT scanning technology. Nine lanes are operational, up from seven during the Easter School Holidays, with the full upgrade on track for completion by the end of 2025.

Once complete, the upgrades will boost screening capacity by nearly 30 per cent, increasing screening capacity from 4,500 to 5,850 passengers per hour. It will also allow passengers to leave laptops, liquids and aerosols in their carry-on luggage.

Due to ongoing security upgrades, live security wait times for the international terminal on Sydney Airport’s website will not be available during the period.

Eight new Australian Border Force (ABF) SmartGate kiosks are now operating at T1 Arrivals, processing an extra 640 passengers per hour. These additions have already reduced wait times by 10 per cent in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with 90 per cent of inbound passengers clearing immigration within 36 minutes.

By early 2026, 32 additional SmartGates will be in place across the terminal, doubling the total number of kiosks.

The rollout of next generation checked baggage screening (CBS) equipment is underway across T1, T2 and T3, with completion due by the end of the year. The system will enhance security and increase baggage handling capacity in time for summer peak.

Major redevelopment continues at T2 domestic

Work is progressing on the $200 million upgrade of the T2 Domestic terminal, which began on 1 May 2025. The project includes new security screening lanes, check-in kiosks, and bag drop systems, all designed to make the journey faster and easier for passengers.

The new next-generation security technology and state-of-the-art scanners will be in place by the summer peak and will allow passengers to leave laptops and aerosols in their hand luggage and more than double the capacity of each lane.

Accessibility will be improved with dedicated security lanes for family and assistance passengers, along with new lifts after security with easier access to food courts and lounges.

Upgrades are also being made to lifts, escalators and retail areas to improve accessibility and the overall passenger experience. This marks the first major renovation in more than 30 years at Australia’s busiest domestic terminal, which serves 17 million passengers every year.

Note to Editors

School holiday travel tips

To assist passengers during this busy period, Sydney Airport offers the following advice:

• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before your domestic flight if you have only hand luggage, 2 hours if checking in bags, and 3 hours before your international flight.
• Prepare for Screening: Ensure that all carry-on items are easily accessible and follow the instructions of security staff for a smoother screening process.
• Check for Updates: Stay informed about flight status and security procedures by visiting sydneyairport.com.au

Winter activities and offers at Sydney Airport

For passengers heading overseas, Wise, a global currency app that helps travellers save on foreign exchange fees, is offering free barista-made coffee to new and existing members at T1 International from 6:30am to 12:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Those wanting a memento from home can also visit the Akubra pop-up, showcasing the iconic Australian brand’s hats and accessories during this holiday period at T1 International.

Sydney Airport is giving eligible passengers the chance to WIN AUD $1 million in cash with SYD Millionaire! There are also weekly and monthly prizes, such as gift cards, luxury getaways, tech bundles, and more. To enter spend AUD$50 or more in a single transaction at any participating retailer in Sydney Airport’s Terminals 1, 2, or 3 during the promotional period (17/03/2025 – 08/01/2026).

Updated security screening

In line with the Government mandated security requirements, Sydney Airport is currently upgrading security screening technology and processes across the T1 and T2 terminals.

During the works, passengers should follow the guidance of security staff and be advised that protocols may vary slightly across different terminals as follows:

• T1 International – Laptops and aerosols are not required to be removed from hand luggage. Government volume restrictions apply to powders, liquids, aerosols and gels, please refer to Home Affairs website for more information
• T2 Domestic – Passengers will need to remove laptops and aerosols from their hand luggage.
• T3 Domestic – Laptops and aerosols are not required to be removed from hand luggage.