Sydney Airport Mask Mandate: What You Need To Know

As of June 2022, masks are no longer required at Sydney Airport in New South Wales, Australia. However, masks are still required on board aircraft across Australia, and individual airlines may continue to enforce mask mandates. Sydney Airport has implemented several COVID-safe measures, including hourly cleaning of high-touch areas, social distancing markers, and hand sanitiser units.

Masks are required on commercial domestic flights

As of June 2022, masks are no longer required in airport terminals in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. However, masks are still mandatory on commercial domestic flights and passengers are advised to carry masks with them at all times when travelling. This rule is in place for flights to and from Norfolk Island as well.

The Australian government recommends that individuals wear masks in airport terminals and other indoor settings where physical distancing is not possible. This is especially important as airlines and airports deal with staff shortages and long lines, with thousands of travellers waiting hours to check in.

To protect yourself and others, it is important to follow safety protocols, including wearing masks, maintaining a safe distance, and sanitising or washing your hands regularly. If you are feeling unwell or displaying any COVID-19 symptoms, do not go to the airport. Instead, seek medical advice and consider postponing your travel plans.

Masks are not required on flights to Australia

As of 9 September 2022, masks are no longer required on flights to Australia. This includes both domestic flights and international flights bound for Australia. The Australian government lifted the mandate for masks on flights, which was first introduced in January 2021.

Major airlines such as Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Rex have removed the requirement for masks on their domestic flights. However, masks may still be required on outbound international flights, depending on the requirements of the destination country or the airline's policies. Some airlines may continue to require masks despite government regulations not mandating them.

While the mask mandate has been lifted, Health Minister Mark Butler advised travellers to remain cautious of the ongoing COVID-19 risk and to take personal precautions. Most airlines continue to provide free face masks and sanitiser wipes at the boarding gate or upon request.

Masks are not required in airports

As of June 2022, masks are no longer required in airports in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. This decision was made following advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), which stated that "it is no longer proportionate to mandate mask use in airport terminals" as they are not required in most other indoor settings. The AHPPC's recommendation was that masks should be worn on planes but not while checking in, at the terminal, or indoors at airports.

The Brisbane Airport Corporation welcomed the decision to scrap the mandate, having received feedback from workers that it was "quite challenging" to work with a mask on. The Australian Airports Association also supported the change, stating that it would assist airport staff by allowing them to carry out their roles without monitoring mask-wearing and that it brought airports in line with other indoor public areas like supermarkets and shopping centres.

While the mask mandate has been lifted in airports, it is important to note that individual airports and airlines may still have their own requirements for mask-wearing. For example, Qantas removed its mask mandate on some international flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to selected destinations but not from Melbourne or on inbound flights to Australia. Additionally, passengers travelling on domestic flights to or from Norfolk Island may still need to wear a face mask in line with Norfolk Island COVID-19 restrictions. On outbound international flights from Australia, masks may be required if the destination government or airline mandates it.

It is always a good idea to carry a mask with you when travelling, as requirements can change, and it is important to follow the rules and directions of staff.

Masks are required on planes

As of June 2022, masks are no longer required in Sydney Airport terminals. However, masks are still mandatory on board all aircraft across Australia, so passengers should continue to carry masks with them at all times when travelling.

Wearing a mask on a plane is a government requirement. Masks are required on all domestic and international flights, though this may depend on the destination country's government or airline policies. For example, masks are not required on flights to the United States or the United Kingdom, but they are mandatory on flights to New Zealand.

Some airlines may also continue to require masks to be worn, regardless of government regulations. It is always a good idea to carry a mask with you when travelling, as it is better to be prepared.

In addition to wearing a mask, there are other steps you can take to protect yourself and others when travelling. These include:

• Cleaning your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
• Trying to keep a safe distance from those around you, using stickers on terminal floors and seating as a guide
• Sneezing or coughing into your elbow or a tissue, then throwing the tissue away
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Familiarising yourself with the safety protocols of your airline

Masks are not required in airport cafes

As of June 2022, masks are no longer required in airport cafes in Sydney. This is because the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia have all scrapped the mandate for masks in airports. However, masks are still required on planes and other settings like hospitals, residential care facilities, disability providers, and correctional facilities.

The decision to remove the mandate was influenced by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee's advice that it is "no longer proportionate to mandate mask use in airport terminals" as they are not required in most other indoor settings. This change brings airports in line with other indoor public areas like supermarkets and shopping centres, making it easier for travellers to navigate the mask rules.

While masks are no longer mandatory in airport cafes, some people may still choose to wear them. The Brisbane Airport Corporation, for example, noted that masks are "an easy and sensible precaution we can take to stay safe while around many others in transit." Similarly, NSW Health continues to strongly recommend mask-wearing in airport terminals and other indoor public settings where physical distancing is not possible.

Sydney Airport has implemented several other COVID-safe measures to ensure the safety of passengers, visitors, and staff. These include hourly cleaning of high-touch areas, using hospital-grade cleaning products, providing hand sanitiser stations, and placing markers on terminal floors and seating to encourage social distancing.

Frequently asked questions