Sydney Airport Travel Warning as Security and Ground Workers Strike
Source-checked update: This article brings together information checked against primary sources and independent reporting available at publication time. Full source links are listed at the end of the article.
Travelers using Sydney Airport faced longer security queues and possible delays on September 24, 2026, as security screeners and Qantas-linked ground workers took industrial action. Passengers were advised to allow extra time at the airport and monitor messages from their airline. The September 24 action had ended by September 26, while a separate security stoppage was scheduled for September 28.
What Happened
The Transport Workers’ Union confirmed a 24-hour strike by workers linked to Qantas at Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth airports on September 24. At Sydney Airport, the ground-worker action primarily affected Qantas freight operations and selected regional ground services.
Qantas said it had contingency plans in place and did not expect the ground-worker action to disrupt its mainline domestic or international passenger services. That did not remove the need for caution, however, as other industrial action affected the airport’s security screening process.
Up to 400 Certis security screeners at Sydney Airport carried out two separate two-hour stoppages on September 24. A further three-hour security stoppage was scheduled for September 28.
Sydney Airport and airlines warned passengers about the potential for longer queues and delays, particularly for travelers departing during the security stoppages. The warnings focused on allowing additional time and checking airline communications before setting out.
What This Means for Travelers
The most direct impact was at security screening. Travelers departing Sydney Airport could face longer waits before reaching the departure area, making the usual airport journey less predictable during affected periods.
The disruption did not mean that all flights were canceled or delayed. Qantas said its mainline passenger services were not expected to be disrupted by the ground-worker action, which was concentrated primarily on freight and selected regional ground services. However, security queues could still affect how quickly passengers moved through the airport.
Passengers connecting through Sydney or traveling on regional services should pay close attention to airline messages, as the ground-worker action included selected regional ground operations. The available information does not establish a blanket impact across all airlines or flights.
Travelers who were at the airport on September 24 may have needed more time for screening than usual. Those traveling around the separately scheduled September 28 security stoppage should check the latest operational information before leaving for the airport, since the timing and practical effect of airport industrial action can vary.
What Travelers Should Do Now
Check directly with your airline before traveling. Look for updates about your specific flight, terminal instructions and any changes affecting check-in, baggage or boarding. Airline messages are particularly important for passengers using regional services or traveling with Qantas-linked ground operations.
Allow extra time for airport formalities if traveling during a period affected by the scheduled security action. The warnings issued by Sydney Airport and airlines related specifically to security queues and possible delays, so passengers should avoid relying on a normal, tight airport timetable.
If you are departing from Sydney, monitor Sydney Airport communications as well as your airline’s updates. Check again before leaving for the airport, even if your flight was previously shown as operating normally.
Passengers with onward connections should review the full itinerary and avoid assuming that a delay-free departure guarantees a smooth connection. Keep essential travel documents and medications accessible, and follow instructions from airport and airline staff if queues build.
The September 24 action had ended by September 26, but a separate three-hour security stoppage was scheduled for September 28. Travelers should therefore distinguish between the completed September 24 action and any later operational notices rather than assuming conditions will be the same on every day.
What Is Confirmed
- Qantas-linked workers took part in a 24-hour strike on September 24 at Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth airports.
- The Sydney Airport ground-worker action primarily involved Qantas freight operations and selected regional ground services.
- Up to 400 Sydney Airport security screeners carried out two two-hour stoppages on September 24.
- A further three-hour Sydney Airport security stoppage was scheduled for September 28.
- Departing passengers were warned to allow extra time and monitor airline messages because of security queues and possible delays.
- Qantas said contingency plans were in place and that its mainline domestic and international passenger services were not expected to be disrupted by the ground-worker action.
Sources
Primary sources
Independent reporting
- Warning for passengers travelling from Sydney Airport today amid two separate workforce strikes
- Qantas workers begin 24-hour strike at four Australian airports, union says
Editorial note
This Travel News article was prepared by the VibrantGateways Team using publicly available information and primary sources where available. AI-assisted tools may be used during research and drafting, with publication subject to our editorial verification process.
Links identified as “Optional source” are provided for additional context only. They have not been independently verified by the VibrantGateways editorial team, and VibrantGateways is not responsible for their accuracy, completeness, availability, or subsequent changes.
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