With Christmas just around the corner, Australians are gearing up for what is traditionally the busiest travel period of the year. This Christmas, however, travellers are being advised to brace themselves for an unprecedented surge in passenger numbers, with Sydney and Melbourne airports anticipating record-breaking crowds that could lead to significant delays.
Sydney Airport is preparing to welcome a staggering 5.8 million passengers from now until Australia Day, while Melbourne Airport’s chief executive, Lorie Argus, has projected that 4.8 million individuals will traverse its terminals during the same timeframe. This influx represents one of the busiest times on record for both airports, with international and domestic travel demand skyrocketing.
The excitement of holiday reunions and getaways is palpable, but with the increased volume of travellers comes a plea from airport officials: arrive early. The anticipation of bustling terminals means that passengers should plan to show up well in advance of their flights to ensure a smooth check-in and security process.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, both Sydney and Melbourne airports are undergoing significant construction projects. Melbourne Airport is in the midst of building a new car entry ramp, and Sydney Airport’s chief executive, Scott Charlton, has noted that terminal upgrades are currently underway. These developments, while promising improved facilities in the long term, may cause temporary disruptions for travellers.
To mitigate potential issues, Sydney Airport is investing billions of dollars in enhancements and will deploy extra staff to assist passengers on their journey. Despite these efforts, travellers are encouraged to stay informed and be prepared for unexpected delays.
Inside the Qantas operations centre, the mood is festive yet focused. The airline has learned from the challenges of the previous year when lost luggage and staff shortages due to illness and isolation wreaked havoc on travel schedules. To avoid a repeat of last year’s chaos, Qantas, along with Virgin and Jetstar, are keeping spare aircraft on standby to address any mechanical issues that may arise.
Virgin has acquired two ex-Rex Boeing 737s to serve as backup planes, while Qantas is strategically utilising a long-haul Boeing 787 on shorter routes, ensuring that they have the flexibility to adjust to operational demands. This strategic planning is indicative of the airlines’ commitment to maintaining service quality despite the increased passenger load.
Qantas’ Boeing 737 can accommodate 174 passengers, whereas the Boeing 787 has a capacity of 236. Additionally, a Qantas Airbus A380 is set to return from maintenance, further bolstering the airline’s short-term capacity. Virgin, too, is experiencing a 3 per cent increase in travel demand this summer and has scheduled extra flights to popular destinations such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Tasmania, and Byron Bay.
With the anticipated congestion, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight if checking in luggage, or one hour prior if only carrying on. For international flights, a three-hour arrival buffer is recommended.
To expedite boarding and avoid delays, Jetstar Cabin Manager Rachael Patten advises passengers to check in large suitcases rather than attempting to bring them as carry-on. The space limitations on aircraft mean that oversized bags can lead to extended take-off times, as cabin crew struggle to accommodate all items.
How do you prepare for holiday travel? Have you faced any airport chaos before, and how did you manage it? Feel free to share your travel tips and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Important notice for travellers flying through Melbourne airport
