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Sydney Airport has been named an official partner for the fast-approaching 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The partnership will see Sydney Airport transform its T1 International forecourt and give passengers the opportunity to engage with players, take part in activities, and win tickets to games.
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The news comes ahead of the first men’s game of the tournament, which will see Australia’s Kangaroos and New Zealand’s Kiwis battle it out at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 15 October. The World Cup runs through to 15 November.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton welcomed the partnership, stating he is “proud to support our city in attracting major international events and in bringing visitors to Sydney to support jobs, tourism and economic activity across NSW.”
“As Australia’s busiest international airport, Sydney Airport will be the first welcome for many of the teams, officials and supporters travelling to Australia for the Rugby League World Cup,” he said.
“We’re proud to help welcome the world’s best rugby league players and fans as the tournament gets underway.”
To honour the partnership, Sydney Airport has revealed it will be transforming its T1 International forecourt to include a giant Rugby League World Cup football, and has already installed a custom specially-wrapped SYD sign, highlighting all teams competing in the tournament.
There are 16 Men’s and Women’s World Cup matches played in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, which will also host the Wheelchair World Cup in its entirety from 30 October to 13 November.
Sydney Airport has been hit by several disruptions in recent weeks, with multiple union factions taking up protected industrial action.
Last month, Qantas ground staff and Certis security screening staff both opted to take industrial action on the same day, with QGS employees walking off the job for a full 24 hours and Certis staff staging a pair of two-hour walkouts.
In response, Sydney Airport implemented contingency planning to minimise disruption, including rostering extra staff in baggage rooms and passenger facilitation staff in the terminals.
“We are working closely with our airport partners and have contingency measures in place to minimise disruption and support passenger safety. Passengers travelling today should allow extra time and stay alert for messages from their airline,” an airport spokesperson said at the time.
In a statement, TWU national secretary Michael Kaine lambasted Qantas for “underhanded conduct of dividing its workforce among multiple subsidiaries”.
“Workers today are standing up for what Australian aviation should be: an industry of good careers that functions properly for the public, not a vehicle for executive bonuses,” he said.
“Strike action is always a last resort, but we are literally seeing workers maimed and killed keeping these critical services going. Disruption today is a direct result of Qantas management’s appalling disregard for a reliable long-term aviation sector in favour of billions in short-term profits.”
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