15 Jul 2019 | 01:29 AM UTC
Australia: Technical problem causes delays at Sydney Airport (SYD) July 15
Passengers report significant delays at Sydney Airport (SYD) international terminal on July 15 due to technical problems; congestion, long lines, and residual delays expected in coming hours
Event
Passengers reported significant delays at Sydney Airport (SYD) international terminal on Monday morning (local time), July 15, due to technical problems with passport control machines. The Australian Border Force (ABF) confirmed the issue but has not verified the reason. Airport personnel are entering passenger data manually and long lines, congestion, and delays are reported. SYD was already experiencing domestic flight cancelations and delays due to weather on Monday morning and residual disruptions are expected in the coming hours.
Melbourne International Airport (MEL) was also affected by the glitch, though no flight delays were reported as of 11:00 (local time).
Context
A similar technical malfunction with passport control gates caused significant disruptions across the country in April.
Advice
Individuals flying through SYD, and other Australian airports in general, are advised to monitor the situation, allow additional time to process through airport security and immigration, anticipate congestion, long lines, and flight disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
