So far, delays and cancellations appear to be just a fraction of what they were earlier this year, with Flightradar reporting good service at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The dispute is between security firm ISS and the United Workers Union, rather than the airports, but will cause major disruption given the union members are necessary to process passengers travelling through terminals.
Chief executive Lorie Argus has asked passengers to be “patient and respectful” to newly hired recruits dealing with the Christmas surge.
The ground handling firm appeared to confirm the authenticity of the footage that went viral on social media over the weekend, branding the incident “disrespectful” and unacceptable”.
The business said the rebranding would come alongside upgrading the 300-ha precinct at Bankstown to include a revamped passenger terminal, new café and management office.
The United Firefighters Union aviation secretary Wes Garrett said the union believes there “won’t be any aircraft moving” during those four hours, in a move likely to cause significant disruption.