A staffing problem inside Sydney Airport's control tower caused significant flight delays on Friday. Over one hundred departing flights faced extended waits, affecting many passengers. Airservices Australia implemented temporary traffic management measures to ensure safety. Airlines criticized the disruption, questioning operational resilience at the busy hub. Normal airport capacity was later restored after staffing levels improved.

More than 100 flights out of Sydney Airport have been delayed due to staffing issues within the air traffic control tower.

The airline industry’s peak body says the delays are due to a shortage of air-traffic controllers.