Enjoying your Easter break? If you flew to your destination through Sydney, you may be in for a rude awakening tomorrow when you’ll be joining tens of thousands returning from the four-day holiday.
Over 82,000 passengers few from Sydney on Friday – the highest number since March 6 2020, and surpassing the previous post-COVID peak of 78,000 on Friday April 8.
Qantas says that across their network, which includes Jestar, they will carry over 500,000 people on 4,600 domestic flights across Australia. That is up from 350,000 people on 2,800 flights last weekend.
But the smooth sailing in the skies comes crashing down to earth at Sydney Airport thanks to workforce shortages, with a high number of Sydney Airport staff absent due to COVID isolation requirements.
Senior executives have been asked to pitch in and Sydney Airport management is pulling out all the stops to minimise delays.
Sydney Airport CEO, Mr Geoff Gulbert says: “We’re working with our security contractor, airlines, ground handlers and other operational agencies to make sure we have as many staff on the ground as possible for the morning and afternoon peaks.”
He says that the situation will improve but with 20% of staff absent on any given day due to COVID, it’s having an effect on how fast passengers can get checked in.
Coming home should be easier, with fewer checks needed on entry for domestic flyers and no check-in needed for those coming from overseas. Thought COVID restrictions still mean you need to queue for checking of paperwork.
Certis, Sydney Airport’s security contractor has been hit hard by the COVID pandemic.
Their workforce is 30% below the pre-COVID staffing levels and they have been actively recruiting to fill over 100 security screening roles.
A further 50 new screening staff currently undergoing accreditation and will gradually become available in the next few weeks.
The process to train screening staff takes two months so staff who are online at the airport today actually started in the role in mid-February.
Mr Culbert says that as more staff join the weeks and months ahead, some of the security challenges will ease.
“The workforce shortages we are facing are cutting across almost every sector in Australia and in the aviation industry we’ve seen similar scenes play out with airports and airlines globally.”
How to avoid the queues
Sydney Airport advises passengers to check their airline’s policy on baggage before they get to Sydney Airport. Some airlines are only accepting checked baggage.
Passengers should also check-in online where they can and prepare for security screening by removing any aerosols and laptops from their carry on luggage.
The carpark is fully booked over the Easter long weekend, with passengers who have not pre-booked space being advised to use alternative transport options.
A Jetstar spokesperson said that passengers travelling domestically should arrive at the airport no more than two hours before departure because they don’t achieve anything by arriving earlier because check in won’t be open and they’ll just be waiting around in the terminal.
Travel advice remains unchanged for international travellers, with them being advised to arrive at the airport three hours before departure.
