SYD International Congestion

[ermen]

Anyone experiencing extreme congestion at the SYD Int terminal in the morning? Is it because of the new QF AM departures?

Traffic: I was there a few sunday's (7 April) ago at around 8am and there was a ridiculous traffic jam backed up all the way back to the M5. Found out that everybody was looking to get into SYD Int. Took us more than 20 minutes waiting in line.
Airport lines: Ridiculous queues at the QF Y counters too... Even was a queue of more than 5 groups at the QF F counters which is most rare in my experience!
Lounge: F lounge was really busy as well (though I must say dining service was rather efficient)

 

[Sprucegoose]

What are the new AM departures that weren't in play before 7April?

 

[VHOEJ]

I don't think it is the change to QF's schedule - they aren't the only airline flying there.

But yes it is noticeable - the weekends in particular after 7am are terrible. It is still school holidays so I think the biggest test will be May where there is no school holidays or public holidays.

I actually think it has a bit more to do with daylight savings and more flights arriving early (e.g. QF12 arrives 6:00am where it arrives after 7am during daylight savings).

The queues even at 5:30am when I go past can be terrible.

 

[MH_fan]

Recently went through T1 around 8:30 and the immigration queues were the longest I'd ever seen!

 

[OATEK]

Traffic: I was there a few sunday's (7 April) ago at around 8am and there was a ridiculous traffic jam backed up all the way back to the M5. Found out that everybody was looking to get into SYD Int. Took us more than 20 minutes waiting in line.

A taxi driver commented on this on one of my recent visits - says weekends regularly have the long queue for the International terminal, some times well back along West Botany St for those from the South, so past the M5 exit! Says it been like this for the last year or more and was glad he was driving us on a Thursday.

 

[Red Roo]

We’re aware of this issue. As VHOEJ pointed out, Qantas are not the only airline to operate from this terminal, however we’re continuously working with airport authorities to reduce congestion at airports network wide.

 

[chrisb]

Get rid of the airport gate surcharge on the train!

 

[ozmille]

I noticed that Sunday early evening is unbelievably busy as well, it makes sense to take the train to get to the airport, I think this Sunday a lot of people would have missed their flights.

 

[Standby]

Been through T1 3 times in the past 2 weeks and admit its consistantly the worst its been in my recent memory,both departing and arriving.
Thank heavens for Fast Track cards