Sydney Airport to Close Control Tower Overnight as Airlines Seek to Mitigate Staffing Shortage

Australia’s major airlines, including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, have endorsed a proposal to shut Sydney Airport’s control tower during the night. The move aims to free up air‑traffic controllers who are currently overburdened by a persistent labour shortage. The shortage has already caused flight disruptions and heightened safety concerns at the busy hub. By closing the tower overnight, controllers can be redeployed to daytime operations, potentially reducing delays and improving safety oversight. The airlines’ support signals a coordinated industry response to the staffing crisis, and the plan is slated for implementation in the coming weeks as part of broader efforts to stabilize operations at Sydney Airport.