Sydney Airport security strike targets peak travel windows

Security staff at Sydney Airport, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), conducted a coordinated strike on Friday, October 16, 2026. The industrial action, involving employees of the security contractor Certis, was organized into two four-hour windows: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and a second window scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Despite the walkout by hundreds of personnel, Sydney Airport reported that morning operations remained stable, with passenger queues managed effectively and wait times remaining minimal. Qantas stated there was no impact on its flights, noting that over 80 percent of its domestic and regional flights and more than 93 percent of Jetstar domestic flights departed on time.

While the morning shift did not result in significant delays, airport authorities and airlines continue to urge passengers to arrive early and monitor flight updates in anticipation of the second wave of strikes during the evening international departure period.