Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Latest update: 20 January 2021

We've received the Airport Health Accreditation by Airports Council International (ACI) for the COVID-safe measures we've put in place during the pandemic. We'll continue to take the necessary steps to ensure SYD remains a safe environment for all passengers, visitors and staff.

Some of the steps we've taken to keep you safe during your journey, include:

Hourly cleaning of high-touch areas and using hospital-grade cleaning products
Markers on terminal floors and on seating, to help you keep a safe distance from other travellers where you can
Installing hand sanitiser units at terminal entrances and exits, and near bathrooms, check-in, and security areas

Protect yourself and others

The NSW Government has introduced a requirement for mandatory face masks in a number of indoor settings. Consistent with this, we now require face masks in terminals. Please bring your own mask from home where you can.

If you are feeling unwell or displaying any symptoms associated with COVID-19, do not come to the airport. Seek medical advice and talk to your airline about deferring your travel plans.

If you are visiting the airport please wash and sanitise your hands regularly and keep a safe distance from other people where you can.

International travel

Passengers are now able to travel from New Zealand to New South Wales quarantine-free if:

they have been in New Zealand for 14 days or more and not been a designated hotspot, and
they are travelling to Australia on a quaratine-free flight.

Quarantine-free flights will be determined by your airline.

You do not need to be a New Zealand citizen to travel to New South Wales quarantine-free if you meet the above criteria, but you will need a valid visa to enter Australia. New Zealand citizens do not need to apply for a visa before coming to Australia. More information can be found here.

Travellers arriving from all other overseas destinations will continue to undergo health screening before being taken to a hotel for mandatory 14-day quarantine. More information on quarantine arranagements for international travellers can be found here.

Domestic travel

Find out more about the current restrictions in each state or territory:

Retail stores and cafes

With the decrease in flights due to COVID-19, many retail stores and cafes have temporarily closed.

Visit our Eat and Shop sections for the latest store openings.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Frequently Asked Questions

Is COVID Safe Check-in available at Sydney Airport?

We have partnered with the NSW Government to make COVID Safe Check-in available at Sydney Airport. We encourage you to download the Service NSW app before arriving at the airport.

When entering or exiting the terminals, simply scan the QR code with the camera on your phone. The check-in automatically captures the date, time and location, and stores them securely on a NSW Government database for the sole purpose of COVID-19 contact tracing. For further information on privacy and data storage, visit the Service NSW website.

What can I do to keep myself and others safe when travelling?

If you are feeling unwell or displaying any symptoms associated with COVID-19, do not come to the airport. Seek medical advice and talk to your airline about deferring your travel plans.

You should also follow these steps to protect yourself and others:

Clean your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
Try and keep a safe distance from the people around you, use the stickers on the terminal floors and seating as a helpful guide
Sneeze or cough into your elbow or use a tissue then throw it in the bin
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Familiarise yourself with the safety protocols of your airline

Are there additional security protocols, queues at the airport and do I need to arrive earlier for my flight?

If you’re departing from the Domestic or International terminal the same security protocols remain in place. For Domestic flights, we recommend you arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled flight time. For International flights, we recommend you arrive 3 hours before your scheduled flight time.

Do I need to wear a mask at the airport?

The NSW Government has introduced a requirement for mandatory face masks in a number of indoor settings. Consistent with this, we require face masks in terminals from Monday 4 January. Please bring your own mask from home where you can.

Passengers can take additional measures to help avoid queuing and congregating at the airport by checking in online where possible and arriving at the advised time ahead of their flight, which is one hour for domestic flights, and three hours for international flights.

We encourage you to contact your airline prior to flying to familiarise yourself with their individual safety protocols.

What health measures are being taken within food and beverage outlets currently open at the airport?

We’re working closely with our retail partners to ensure they have safety measures in place including hand sanitising dispensers, limits on the number of people in stores, frequent cleaning of surfaces, and contactless transactions.

Some of our retail, food and beverage outlets are temporarily closed. Visit our Eat & Shop section for the latest store openings.

Can I come to the airport to speak with airlines?

If you need to contact your airline, we recommend you get in touch before arriving at the airport. Most airlines can be contacted by phone or via their website.