Why are there long queues at Australian airports – and what is being done to fix it?

Long queues spilling out of Australian airport terminals are continuing to make the news.

Airport chiefs say chaotic scenes at departure halls have been fuelled by a range of factors set to come to a head over Easter and the Anzac day holiday.

Security companies have been desperately sourcing more staff, health departments have relaxed isolation rules to reduce absenteeism, and airline bosses have backtracked after appearing to blame travellers for long delays.

So why are Australia's airports in such a state of chaos at the moment? And will it get worse before it gets better?

The long queues at Australian airports - particularly domestic departure halls - rose to prominence last week, but the aviation industry was aware of potential issues well before then.

On 28 March, Sydney airport warned domestic travellers to arrive two hours before their flight's departure time - up from the traditionally recommended one hour. The airport predicted it would be busier than any time in the preceding two years as people started travelling following Covid lockdowns and disruptions.

At the same time, it was down staff after struggling to recruit workers following the lengthy pandemic-related shutdowns.