Runway access granted for 22 lucky local residents to see Sydney Airport from behind the scenes.

You know when you’re a kid, and a plane flying or taking off is the ultimate excitement? Well, that sense of wonder never really goes away.

As you can see from this lucky group of Sydney Airport’s local community, they couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces and we couldn’t be happier to have them!

In May, we announced a competition in our community newsletter to win a behind-the-scenes tour at Sydney Airport. We were inundated with entries! More than 5,000 local residents signed up to our digital newsletter and entered the competition.

22 lucky locals won our exclusive community giveaway and were treated to the ultimate experience. From aviation buffs, general airport enthusiasts and all-round curious neighbours, the ‘crew’ were cleared for departure for this local community tour and merch pack.

Local families, friends, couples and kids from all walks of life got to explore Sydney Airport behind the scenes. From the ‘best view in the house’ outlook of the runway on the rooftop to a peek inside the ‘engine room’ and offices of staff keeping the airport running, to testing the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service’s ‘hold on to your hat’ powerful hoses – it was an experience of a lifetime.

The highlight? Standing metres from the runway as aircraft took off and landed.

The tour group learned about:

• Community initiatives at the airport
• How SYD is stepping up sustainability with Sustainable Aviation Fuel and how the airport is now operating on the equivalent of 100% renewable electricity
• The flight curfew and upcoming flight path changes due to WSI opening
• Aviation fire safety, seeing a practice drill in action, Aviation firefighters must be onsite within 3 minutes of an emergency (even if in they’re showering/cooking/sleeping)
• The impact of weather on flights and which runway is used, SYD having three runways means that disruptions are reduced
• There are more than 5,000 cameras across the airport, all managed by the Integrated Operations Centre to keep us safe
• Our Master Plan 2045, and how locals can have their say

It’s safe to say the community enjoyed the day and shared their highlights with the team:

Greg from Eastlakes said the tour was thoroughly enjoyable and informative.

“All the staff were professional and efficient, at the same time friendly and fun. Special thanks to the firemen, we all loved the hands-on with their hoses. I was so pleased to have had this opportunity,” Greg said.

Sanjay, Kiaan and Niall from nearby Brighton-Le-Sands enjoyed the tour and Sanjay said the tour helped him and his kids gain an insight and deeper appreciation into the workings of the airport.

“As we live close by at Brighton, we always wondered how it all fits together: from the various community initiatives provided by the airport to the extensive employment opportunities. Not to forget the cracker views we got to experience from your office building,” Sanjay said.

Daniella and Lucas from Caringbah were grateful to share the experience as a family.

“Lucas and I really enjoyed the tour in every way. The tour was professional, informative yet warm and welcoming,” Daniella said.

Each local winner was also given a merch pack full of treats to keep as a souvenir of the tour.

Community Investment Manager, Abigail Harley from Sydney Airport was thrilled to host the tour for locals and said the airport is always looking for ways to support and connect with the local community.

“This was a really special opportunity to open up the airport to our local community and share behind the scenes. We hoped it would be a valuable experience, and we were amazed by the level of interest. We are exploring how we can welcome even more community members on a tour.” Abigail said.

“Days like this where we get to meet our neighbours, hear their stories and see their excitement visiting Sydney Airport makes me enjoy my job even more and I couldn’t have been happier to see the smiles and laughter throughout the day.”

The tour was delivered as part of Sydney Airport’s Community Investment Strategy to give back to the local community and to show appreciation to those that live near the airport.

Keep an eye out for more opportunities to win and subscribe to our digital community newsletter to be the first to know about news, announcements, competitions and more.

Find out more about how Sydney Airport supports the community.