Here’s Why The Airport Is Such A Hot Mess Right Now
Customers are being advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights.
If you’ve tried to catch a domestic flight lately — particularly out of Sydney — you’d know that the airport is an absolute hell mouth right now. If you’ve been lucky enough to not have to step foot in an airport in the last week or so, heed this warning.
Sydney Airport has entered its third consecutive day of chaos, while Melbourne’s Tullamarine has been thrust into its own mess — forcing domestic passengers to wait more than two hours to get through security at the nation’s two biggest airports.
In Sydney, the problem has been partially blamed on issues with airline staff not being included in essential worker rules, which cause major staff shortages across the network. However, Culbert noted that coronavirus was not the root cause of the issue, rather, it was a “perfect storm” of factors.
“Traffic numbers are picking up, travellers are inexperienced after two years of not travelling, and the close contact rules are making it hard to fill shifts and staff the airport,” Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said in an apology released on Friday.
Thankfully, changes made on Friday mean that air transport service workers are now included in the exemption, which should start to ease pressure on the air travel network in the coming days. According to a spokesperson for Sydney Airport, the delays could continue right through until Anzac Day, so it would be best to get to the airport early if you’re travelling in the coming days.
“We’re incredibly grateful to passengers for their ongoing patience and for treating each other and airport workers with kindness and respect,” the spokesperson told Nine. “We have significant COVID-related staff shortages and we’re also working to rebuild our workforce in a really tight jobs market. Unfortunately this is an industry-wide issue and airports and airlines around the world are experiencing similar challenges.
“The Easter and Anzac Day long weekends are going to be busy again, and we’re advising travellers to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international.”
Similar scenes have been witnessed in Melbourne on Monday morning as the end of the Grand Prix and the start of the school holidays. However, the problem was made worse by issues with a Qantas baggage belt, which further delayed check in.
Melbourne Airport just now. A @Qantas luggage belt has broken so along with all their staffing issues, no one can get their bags on planes either. 😬 pic.twitter.com/x90wNzIPhG
— Dr Kirstin Ferguson (@kirstinferguson) April 10, 2022
Social media users in Melbourne were quick to voice their frustration, noting that the Easter rush and the Grand Prix could’ve been anticipated and accounted for.
Fun times at the Virgin bag drop at Melbourne Airport. Wonder what the issue is? pic.twitter.com/LhFnQbbOLC
— Matthew Watson (@Matthew80710042) April 11, 2022
So we’ve waited how long to travel and here we are with Melbourne airport in total meltdown. Just insane. It’s like Easter travel and the Grand Prix couldn’t be anticipated? What?
— Andrew Lark (@kiwilark) April 11, 2022
melbourne airport an absolute mess. 6 gate changes in 6 hours, flights cancelled at 4 in the morning, baggage belt broken so check in has been suspended. no bags on or off flights. mechanical issues. you name it. plz get me home x
— g 🇦🇲 (@KortianG) April 11, 2022
Travellers are being urged to arrive at airports two hours before domestic flights and no later than three hours before international flights to avoid missing your flight.
The news comes after Qantas CEO Alan Joyce was slammed last week for blaming customers for the delays.