Sydney Airport Security Staff Are Striking Twice on Thursday, Here’s What It Means for Your Flight

Breaking · Flights & Access Certis security staff strike 7.30–9.30am and 6–8pm on Thursday, and Qantas Ground Services adds a 24-hour stoppage. Here’s who’s actually affected. By Laxman Rawal · Sep 23, 2026 Read the full story

Two separate strikes hit Sydney Airport this Thursday, 24 September 2026. Certis security screeners walk out for two two-hour windows, 7.30–9.30am and 6–8pm, and Qantas Ground Services staff run a 24-hour strike across Australia the same day. Neither shuts… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What time are the strikes at Sydney Airport on Thursday

Certis Security staff, the contractor that runs passenger screening at Sydney Airport, are taking two two-hour stoppages on Thursday 24 September: 7.30–9.30am and 6–8pm. Up to 400 screeners took part after 99% voted for protected industrial action. Qantas… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Which flights does the Qantas strike actually affect

It does not touch Qantas or QantasLink flights outside Sydney, and it does not touch Qantas mainline domestic or international services at all. The Qantas Ground Services strike is limited to Qantas Freight, including Australia Post shipments carried on… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Why are Certis and Qantas Ground Services workers striking

Both disputes are about pay and job security at companies the union says can afford better. The Transport Workers’ Union says Sydney Airport posted a record aeronautical profit of A$584.3 million in the 2024–25 financial year while its security contractor… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What this means if you’re flying through Sydney this week

What this means for you If your flight leaves Sydney between 7.30–9.30am or 6–8pm on Thursday, build in extra time at security — a two-hour stoppage with reduced staff is a queue problem, not a closure, but it’s still a real one at Australia’s busiest… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What happens next

This isn’t the last action planned. Certis Work Health and Safety officers are due to strike overnight from 10pm Monday 28 September to 1am Tuesday 29 September, and neither the Certis nor the Qantas Ground Services dispute has been resolved, so more… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Will my flight be cancelled because of the Sydney Airport strike

Almost certainly not. Both actions are limited, protected stoppages rather than full walkouts — Certis is running two-hour windows with reduced screening staff, and the Qantas Ground Services strike is confined to freight and Sydney QantasLink handling… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Should I arrive earlier than usual for a Thursday flight from Sydney

Yes, if your flight departs inside the 7.30–9.30am or 6–8pm screening stoppage windows. Sydney Airport and the union have both flagged longer queues in those specific hours; outside them, normal arrival times should be fine. Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Is this only affecting Sydney Airport

The Certis stoppages are specific to Sydney. The Qantas Ground Services strike is nationwide over 23–24 September but only disrupts Qantas Freight and QantasLink ground handling — it does not affect Qantas mainline flights at any airport. Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

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