Sneak peek: local schools explore and learn at Sydney Airport!

Sydney Airport recently launched a school tour program, where local Year 5 and 6 students swapped the classroom for the runway, stepping into the exciting world of airport operations.

Sixty students from Marrickville Public School hit the runway for the first tour of its kind where they got to see up-close what goes on behind every take-off and touchdown.

They learned many fun facts about Sydney Airport including that since opening in 1919, it has welcomed more than 1.1 billion passengers and counting.

This new community investment initiative gives students a comprehensive look into airport operations, from aviation security to sustainable landscaping and the importance of international connectivity.

Sydney Airport’s Community Investment & Partnerships Lead Liz Seatter was thrilled to see the first school tour kick off.

“The local school tours initiative is a great opportunity for the team to connect with our local community,” Liz said.

“There’s nothing like seeing the kids’ excitement as they explore the heart of Sydney Airport. We love showing them how the airport operates and introducing them to the countless career possibilities that could one day be theirs.”

The tours highlight Sydney Airport’s positive impact including contributions to the local economy and hopes to inspire the future workforce by showcasing how the airport operates and the 32,000 diverse jobs that keep it running every day.

The kids got access to the T1 international terminal, a close-up experience with the airport’s firefighting team, and a thrilling bus tour across the airfield – to see how operations work from the gate all the way to take-off.

The Australian Border Force Dog Unit also put on a special presentation, demonstrating the crucial role that canine units play in airport security. The team answered all the curious questions about what some passengers try to bring into the country including a lizard, a bird’s nest and snake eggs.

A highlight for many students was the hands-on activities, especially operating the firefighter’s hose at Fire Station 1.

To foster a generation of environmentally conscious kids, the students also explored the airport’s commitment to sustainability. They learned from the Wildflower Gardens team, a First Nations social enterprise, about native plants and traditional On Country land practice.

Students also discovered how Sydney Airport serves as a key international gateway with 50 airlines linking Australia to the world, supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Some of the kids shared their feedback after the tour – it’s safe to say they had a great experience:

• “Our trip to Sydney Airport was unbelievable. As soon as we arrived, we were treated like celebrities. We got our own activity board which we used to learn lots of fun and interesting facts about Sydney Airport.”

• “I loved how much care and work you put into keeping people safe and going into the area 27 where the public can’t go into. It was amazing how we were the first school to be there.”

• “My highlight of the day was at lunch when Edwin the dog from the K9 Unit came and demonstrated his job.”

• “The part I liked the most was when we got to go on the airfield. I can’t believe I saw five A380’s!”

• “I really enjoyed walking around the departures hall, so many people trying to fly.”

• “Visiting the fire station was so cool and going in the fire truck was even cooler. Spraying the fire hose was awesome.”

• “It has always been my dream to go onto the tarmac and watch planes up close.”

• “It was interesting learning about planes and firefighters and how airports work. Being on the runway was cool plus it was my first time going to an airport.”

A Stage 3 teacher from Marrickville Public School, Mr Crawley said it was a well organised excursion.

“The kids were always engaged. It is day that we think the kids will remember especially getting out of the bus standing on the edge of a runway. The detection dogs may have stolen the show. Thanks for looking after us from start to finish,” Mr Crawley said.

Assistant Principal of Marrickville Public School, Louise Wood added:

“It's a unique excursion that helps develop the real-world links to engage our Stage 3 students to make strong connections of how we interact with our global neighbours.”

Following Marrickville Public School, 100 students from Tempe Public School and 180 students from Wilkins Public School were next in line to experience the airport as an interactive classroom.

The school tours will continue in 2025 when Sydney Airport will host up to 20 more schools from the local area. Education and fun all wrapped up in one!

Is your school near Sydney Airport and keen to get involved in the action? Contact us at community@syd.com.au to find out more and register your interest.