Sydney Airport resembled the final scenes of Christmas movie classic Love Actually on Tuesday.
There were emotional scenes on one of the busiest days of the year for the airport as family, friends and partners flying in on domestic and international flights touched down at Sydney’s three terminals to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.
The relieved joy on passengers’ faces was unmistakable as they entered the packed terminals eagerly searching for their welcoming party to be swarmed with warm hugs and kisses.
Sydney Airport’s packed three terminals were scenes of joyful homecomings for friends, families and loved ones on Tuesday
These girls were delighted to be reunited in time for Christmas on one of the busiest days of the year for Sydney Airport
Several passengers wearing cork hats were already in the Aussie spirit moments after touching down at Sydney Airport
Some of those patiently waiting to be reunited with their loved ones were already in the Christmas spirit, wearing Santa hats and antler ears.
Many others came bearing gifts such as roses, balloons and homemade welcome signs.
A Sydney Airport spokesman told Daily Mail Australia there were no major delays experienced by passengers on Tuesday.
One man captured his emotional reunion with loved ones on his phone
Christmas came a day early for many Sydneysiders as they enjoyed happy reunions with loves ones in time for Christmas
Family, friends and partners flying in on domestic and international flights touched down in Sydney on Christmas Eve
There were no major delays for passengers flying in and out of Sydney on one of the busiest days of the years
An international visitor clutching her passport was delighted to touch down and see familiar faces after a long haul flight
Souvenir gift shops at Sydney’s international airport did a roaring trade as people patiently wait to see their loved ones again
An estimated 150,000 passengers flew in and out of Sydney Airport’s three terminals on Tuesday
While the final figures are yet to be confirmed, around 70,000 passengers were estimated to fly in and out of Sydney’s international airport on Christmas Eve.
Another 70,000 combined will fly in and out at Sydney’s two domestic terminals.
‘We would have around 150,000 on a daily basis in the whole precinct at this time of the year,’ the spokesman said.
‘The weekend before Christmas is always the busiest period of the year for us.’
A man holds a handmade sign as he waits to greet his international visitors. Other welcome gifts included roses and balloons
This little boy wanted to lug his own luggage that was almost as tall as him through the packed airport terminal
This family shared a massive group hug after being reunited in Sydney in time for Christmas Day on Wednesday
This couple share a heartwarming moment as they look forward to spending Christmas together
This little girl dressed pretty in pink was delighted to be back in the arms of loved ones as she’s lifted and spun around
Sydney’s three terminals resembled the final airport scenes of the Christmas movie blockbuster Love Actually
A woman bought a rose and Welcome to Australia balloon for her international visitor as she waited in the packed terminal
Around 70,000 passengers were estimated to fly in and out of Sydney’s international airport on Tuesday
Christmas Day is expected to be slightly quieter with an estimated 50,000 passengers estimated to go through the terminal.
Some of Australia’s biggest names have touched down in Sydney in recent days, including Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Joel Edgerton, Rebel Wilson and Naomi Watts.
Sydney is Australia’s busiest airport used by a record 44.4 million passengers in 2018, followed by Melbourne (37.4million), Brisbane (29.6million) and Perth (13.7 million).
Sydney Airport welcomed the arrival of its one billionth passenger in September.
There were warm hugs and beaming smiles as friends and family reunited for a Sydney summer Christmas
One jubilant passenger shows his relief to be in Sydney as he entered the terminal after a long haul flight
There were hundreds of heartwarming reunions between family, friends and partners at Australia’s busiest airport