Qantas ground workers to strike 23–24 September: what travellers need to know

Qantas Ground Services workers are due to take 24-hour strike action in Victoria on Wednesday 23 September and across the rest of Australia on Thursday 24 September 2026. The action is expected to affect Qantas Freight most directly, while a smaller group of workers services QantasLink flights at Sydney Airport. Qantas mainline domestic and international flights are not directly serviced by these workers.

For international residents and travellers, the practical advice is simple: if you are booked on a QantasLink service from Sydney on 24 September, check your flight before leaving for the airport. Businesses and households waiting for freight or Australia Post deliveries should also allow for possible delays.

Which Qantas services could be affected by the strike?

About 650 Qantas Ground Services employees are involved in the dispute, according to reporting by Reuters and the ABC. Most work in Qantas Freight. A smaller group provides ground services for QantasLink at Sydney Airport.

The workers do not service Qantas mainline domestic flights, Qantas international flights or QantasLink flights at airports other than Sydney. This means the action should not be described as a shutdown of the whole Qantas network.

When is the Qantas ground-worker strike?

• Wednesday 23 September: 24-hour action in Victoria.
• Thursday 24 September: 24-hour action across the rest of Australia.

The Transport Workers’ Union says the dispute concerns pay, job security and working conditions. Qantas has said it remains committed to reaching an agreement and has contingency plans intended to reduce disruption.

Could QantasLink passengers be delayed?

Yes, but the passenger risk is relatively narrow. The main passenger exposure is on QantasLink services from Sydney Airport on Thursday 24 September, because the striking Qantas Ground Services group includes workers who support those regional flights.

Qantas told the ABC that it has contingency plans to minimise the effect on customers and operations. That does not guarantee every affected flight will operate normally, so passengers should use the Qantas app or flight-status page for the latest information before travelling.

What about freight and Australia Post deliveries?

Freight is likely to be the more significant part of the disruption. Qantas Ground Services workers handle Qantas Freight, including a substantial amount of Australia Post work. The union has warned of disruption to freight movements, while Australia Post has said it has contingency plans and will work with freight partners to limit the impact on customers.

If you are relying on a time-sensitive delivery, particularly an interstate shipment moving by air, it is sensible to allow extra time around 23 and 24 September.

Why are the workers striking?

The Transport Workers’ Union says employees are seeking improved pay, job security and working conditions after months of bargaining. In an earlier statement, the union said 97% of participating workers voted in favour of protected industrial action. Qantas says negotiations have been constructive and that its proposed agreement includes annual pay rises and more full-time opportunities.

The dispute continued through talks at the Fair Work Commission on 18 September. No verified settlement cancelling the announced action had been reported when Babylon last checked the position on 22 September.

What should travellers do now?

• Check your flight directly with Qantas before travelling to the airport.
• Pay particular attention to QantasLink departures from Sydney on 24 September.
• Do not assume a mainline Qantas domestic or international flight is cancelled simply because of the strike.
• If you are waiting for urgent freight or post, track the shipment and allow for possible delays.
• Keep receipts if a confirmed flight disruption causes extra costs and follow the airline’s instructions for rebooking or assistance.

For more Australia updates for international residents, see Babylon’s Australia news and practical guides.

Frequently asked questions

Are all Qantas flights affected by the strike?

No. The striking Qantas Ground Services workers do not directly service Qantas mainline domestic or international flights. The passenger services most exposed are QantasLink flights from Sydney Airport.

Will the strike affect Sydney Airport?

Potentially. A smaller group of the striking workers supports QantasLink at Sydney Airport, with action outside Victoria scheduled for Thursday 24 September.

Could Australia Post deliveries be delayed?

Yes. Qantas Freight carries Australia Post shipments, so some deliveries could be delayed. Australia Post says it has contingency arrangements in place.

Last verified: 22 September 2026. Sources: Reuters, ABC News and the Transport Workers’ Union. Featured image: Jon Matthews / Unsplash.