Arrive early: record travellers expected at airports during school holidays

Peak domestic travel days revealed.

A Virgin Australia flight takes off from Melbourne Airport.

Updated July 1 2025 - 9:18am, first published 9:14am

A record number of holiday-makers are expected through Australian airports this winter school holidays and officials have appealed to families to arrive early.

Sydney Airport is forecasting more than 2.5 million passengers during the winter school holiday period.

It is expected to be the busiest winter school holiday period on record for international travel with one million passengers expected to kick off their abroad holiday.

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Friday, July 4 is meant to be the peak travel day for domestic, and Saturday, July 12 is expected to be the busiest day for international travellers.

The airport recommends arriving at least one hour before your domestic flight if you have only hand luggage, two hours if checking in bags, and three house before your international flight.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: "More Australians are taking advantage of new destinations and extra capacity, and that's reflected in the numbers we're seeing through the terminal."

He recommended planning ahead: check in online, pre-book parking and allow plenty of time to get to the airport during the holidays.

Melbourne Airport is preparing to welcome close to two million passengers.

The AFL grand final will contribute to the crowds at the airport, with a daily average of 107,000 passengers, with the busiest day expected to be Friday, July 11.

A new visitor information hub will launch in time for the holidays to help passengers with local tours and transport options.

Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos said many passengers are chasing the warmth.

"It's no surprise given how cold it's been lately that passengers are chasing the sun in large numbers, with the beaches of South East Asia a favourite this Winter," he said.

Further south, more than 60,000 passengers will travel through Launceston Airport for the holidays.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.