Important update for guests departing Sydney Airport on 16 October 2026

Updated: Thursday, 15 October 2026

 

Planned industrial action by some employees of Certis, Sydney Airport’s security screening provider, may cause delays at Sydney Airport security screening on Friday, 16 October 2026. 

The action is scheduled from 6:00am to 10:00am and 5:00pm to 9:00pm (AEDT). Security screening will remain open but may operate at reduced capacity during these times. 

 

Advice for guests travelling from Sydney Airport 

Guests departing from Sydney Airport on Friday, 16 October may experience delays at security screening. We encourage you to arrive earlier than usual to allow extra time to pass through security screening before your flight. 

 

Information for guests booked to travel 

We understand some guests may wish to change their travel plans, so we’re making it easier to do so. 

Guests booked to depart Sydney on 16 October may change their travel date to either 15 or 17 October 2026. 

  • For Virgin Australia operated domestic and international services, the change can be made free of charge, with no change fee or fare difference, provided the guest rebooks in the same fare type. 

  • For partner airline operated international services marketed by Virgin Australia, the change fee will be waived, but any applicable fare difference will apply. 

To make a change, please contact our Guest Contact Centre or, if booked through a travel agent, contact your travel agent directly. Rebooking is subject to availability and must occur at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure of a Virgin Australia operated flight and 3 hours before schedule departure of a partner airline operated international flight.  

Guests should also check their fare rules as other change or cancellation options may be available.  

 

Need to talk to us? 

If you’re in Australia, call us on 13 67 89. From overseas, call +61 7 3295 2296.