Qantas ground staff strike impacts five major Australian airports

Ground workers at Qantas conducted a 24-hour strike across five major Australian airports on October 28 and 29, 2026. The industrial action, involving members of the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU), took place at Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth airports.

The strike was driven by disputes regarding industry-standard wages, job security, and working conditions. Workers involved included staff from Qantas Ground Services (QGS), Australian Air Express (AAE), and Qantas Airways Limited (QAL). This event marks the second such work stoppage in two months, following a similar action in September 2026.

While Qantas reported no major flight cancellations or significant service disruptions during the initial stages, the airline issued warnings regarding potential freight delays and cargo processing issues. The airline stated it would prioritize critical shipments and maintain freight terminal operations. Passengers were advised of limited booking flexibility, with options to rebook flights between October 29 and 31, though fare differences might apply.