In a striking sign of travel’s revival, Sydney Airport is preparing to welcome a staggering 2.5 million passengers across the Easter and April school holidays—its busiest since before the pandemic halted global movement in early 2020.

From 9 to 29 April 2025, the airport expects to handle a bumper flow of domestic and international travellers. It will upgrade its facilities, host celebratory Easter-themed activations, and renew its focus on seamless passenger experience. For Australia’s busiest airport, this isn’t just a return to form—it’s a bold step into a modernised future.

Domestic and International Travel Set to Soar

Of the projected 2.5 million passengers, around 1.5 million will take to the skies on domestic routes, with the remaining 1 million passing through the T1 International Terminal. That’s a 9% jump in international numbers and a 3% increase in domestic travel compared to Easter 2024—amounting to 130,000 more passengers across the same three-week stretch.

It’s a clear sign that confidence in local and overseas travel is returning and surging ahead.

“After several years of uncertainty, Australians are rediscovering their love for travel,” said Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton. “We’ve put the people and the systems in place to make this our most efficient and welcoming school holiday period in years.”

Peak Travel Days and Airport Tips

The airport forecasts that Thursday, 17 April, will be the busiest domestic travel day, with some 85,000 travellers expected. For international passengers, Friday, 18 April, will take the title, with an estimated 53,000 set to depart or arrive.

To help passengers sail through the terminals with as little hassle as possible, the airport is advising:

• Domestic flyers should arrive at least one hour ahead if travelling with hand luggage or two hours if checking bags.

• International passengers are urged to allow three hours before departure unless otherwise directed by their airline.

• Pre-book parking, as demand for spaces is expected to spike significantly.

In preparation for the surge, Sydney Airport has increased staffing levels across all terminals, rerouted vehicle traffic where necessary, and introduced Easter-themed activities—including chocolate giveaways and interactive displays—to bring some holiday cheer to the journey.

“We’re Ready”: CEO Talks Planning, Patience and Progress

Charlton said the airport has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this Easter travel period as stress-free as possible.

“We’ve hit a 99% success rate over the past six months for getting travellers through security in under 10 minutes. That’s not just a number—it’s a standard we intend to uphold through the holidays,” he said.

He also pointed to the strength of airline partnerships and new routes as contributing factors in the surge.

“This growth is driven by more capacity and additional services, and we’re proud to welcome new airline partners throughout 2025. To meet this demand, we’re investing right across the precinct—from terminals to airfields.”

Screening Shake-Up at T1: Efficiency Through Technology

Part of that investment includes a sweeping overhaul of security screening at the T1 International Terminal. Fifteen new lanes equipped with advanced CT scanning systems are being rolled out, with five already in action.

This new technology allows passengers to keep liquids and aerosols in their bags. Throughput is expected to increase from 4,500 to 5,850 passengers per hour, a whopping 30% lift in efficiency.

The security screening area is also being reconfigured to improve passenger flow and cut wait times, with full completion expected before the end of the year. While live security wait times won’t be visible online during construction, the airport assures travellers that the disruption will be well worth the long-term gain.

$200M T2 Terminal Redevelopment Begins in May

Once the Easter school holidays wrap up, Sydney Airport will begin a significant $200 million redevelopment of its T2 Domestic Terminal—the first large-scale transformation in over three decades.

This ambitious upgrade aims to cut the kerb-to-gate journey to 15 minutes starting 1 May 2025. New self-check-in kiosks, automated bag drops, and next-generation security lanes will be installed, each capable of processing up to 500 passengers per hour—more than double the current rate.

A key feature of the upgrade is inclusivity: dedicated lanes for families and passengers with accessibility needs, new lifts, and improved access to dining precincts and lounges are incorporated into the design.

Temporary Terminal Shifts to Support Works

To allow construction to progress without causing undue disruption, several temporary operational changes will come into effect:

• Rex Airlines and Fly Pelican flights will relocate to the T3 Terminal on 8 April 2025.

• Jetstar’s check-in facilities will be moved by 28 April to share space with Virgin Australia.

Travellers booked with these carriers are urged to confirm their terminal information in advance to avoid delays or confusion on travel day.

A Moment of Transformation

This Easter doesn’t just signify a busy travel season for Australia’s gateway airport. It represents a broader moment of transformation—one where old routines make way for a smarter, faster, and more comfortable travel experience.

“As we prepare for one of the biggest surges in holiday traffic we’ve seen in years, we’re not only focusing on numbers—we’re focusing on people,” Charlton said. “We want everyone travelling through Sydney Airport this Easter to feel looked after, from check-in to takeoff.”

So, whether it’s a family heading off for a long-overdue reunion, a couple embarking on an overseas adventure, or a solo traveller exploring new ground, the message is clear: Arrive early, stay informed, and enjoy the journey—because Sydney Airport is ready for take-off.

Written by My Thanh Pham

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