In an impressive demonstration of resilience and growth, Sydney Airport has recorded a remarkable performance in Q3 2024, welcoming 10.3 million passengers through its terminals. This milestone represents a solid 3.3% increase over the same period in 2023 and an impressive 92.5% recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels in Q3 2019. The airport’s operational solid efficiency and strategic leadership initiatives set the stage for continued growth in the aviation industry as Sydney Airport continues its ambitious $4.4 billion capital program.

International Passenger Traffic Skyrockets

Sydney Airport’s international terminal (T1) saw a substantial increase in traffic, handling 4 million passengers in Q3 2024. This marks a 5.8% rise over last year’s figures and a 95.7% recovery compared to Q3 2019. The airport’s international traffic growth reflects a rebound in global travel and an increase in seat capacity across numerous routes, especially from countries like India, the Philippines, and South Korea. Notably, South Korea’s passenger numbers surged by 54% compared to 2019, overtaking the United Kingdom as Sydney Airport’s 5th largest inbound passenger group.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton highlighted the growing importance of international travellers, stating, “Despite global supply chain disruptions affecting airline capacity, we are pleased with the increasing international passenger numbers. The resurgence of air travel from countries like India, South Korea, and the Philippines underscores our efforts to expand route capacity and enhance the travel experience.”

Charlton also expressed optimism regarding the return of Chinese tourists, who have become a crucial market for the airport. With the return of tour groups and the arrival of new airlines from mainland China, such as Juneyao Air, Sydney Airport expects a near return to pre-pandemic levels for Chinese travellers by the end of 2024.

Domestic Travel Holds Steady

On the domestic front, Sydney Airport processed 6.3 million passengers through its T2 and T3 terminals in Q3 2024, a modest 1.8% increase over 2023. While domestic passenger traffic has not fully recovered, reaching 90.5% of pre-pandemic levels, it remains a critical component of the airport’s overall operations. Business travel continues to show signs of sluggish recovery as corporate decision-makers recalibrate their approach to discretionary travel in an evolving economic landscape.

Charlton acknowledged the evolving nature of domestic travel, particularly business trips, stating, “We recognize the shift in discretionary business travel, and while this segment remains slower to recover, we are optimistic about the continued improvement in domestic passenger traffic as Australia’s economic conditions stabilize.”

Operational Excellence in Q3 2024

Sydney Airport’s operational performance was another standout in Q3 2024, with significant improvements across key metrics compared to the previous year. A considerable achievement included 100% of passengers passing through security within 10 minutes, a testament to the airport’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer experience. Furthermore, no curbside drop-off times exceeded 10 minutes, reflecting improved ground traffic management and passenger flow at domestic terminals.

As part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations, Sydney Airport has collaborated with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to improve the inbound border process. The airport plans to purchase additional E-Gate kiosks to accelerate passenger processing and reduce wait times, demonstrating its dedication to operational efficiency.

“Our focus remains on creating a faster, more efficient experience for passengers,” Charlton emphasized. “We’ve consistently exceeded our 10-minute metric for kerbside drop-off times and security processing, and soon, passengers will benefit from live updates on kerbside wait times—adding another layer of transparency to their journey.”

New Leadership: Paul Willis Joins as Group Executive

A key development for Sydney Airport is the announcement that Paul Willis will join the leadership team in November 2024 as Group Executive—Planning and Delivery. Willis brings over 20 years of aviation infrastructure development experience, having served as Chief Development Officer at Manchester Airport Group. His expertise spans planning, design, construction, and operations, making him the ideal leader to oversee Sydney Airport’s $4.4 billion capital investment over the next five years.

Welcoming Willis to the team, Charlton stated, “Given the complexity of our capital program, it’s vital that we have someone with deep experience in airport infrastructure. Paul’s track record in delivering large-scale aviation projects will be instrumental as we continue to improve our facilities and meet the demands of growing passenger numbers.”

Looking Ahead: Future Growth and Innovation

Looking forward, Sydney Airport’s focus remains firmly on growth and innovation. The $4.4 billion capital program is set to transform the airport’s infrastructure, supporting increased capacity and enhanced passenger experiences. With projects such as terminal expansions, upgraded security systems, and improved ground transport connectivity, the airport is positioning itself as a leading hub for domestic and international travel in the Asia-Pacific region.

As travel demand continues to rebound, particularly from high-growth markets, Sydney Airport is poised to deliver operational excellence and a first-class experience for millions of travellers annually.

Written by: My Thanh Pham

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