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neville_nobody
1st Aug 2011, 01:51
Maybe Macquarie bank should try and run a circus as they sure can't run an airport. Why isn't there some sort of independent standby power or UPS battery system for critical items such as customs/security/checkin? How can you run a critical piece of public infrastructure with so many stuff ups?

Very lucky that this happened in the morning and not 2 hours before curfew.

Sydney Airport power outage delays flights | The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/sydney-airport-power-outage-delays-flights/story-e6frg95x-1226104900635)

PASSENGERS have been left stranded and shops unable to sell after a power outage caused "a big mess" at Sydney airport.

Duty free shops were forced to stop trading for most of the day, after power was lost at the international terminal from about 9.40am to 11.00am (AEST).

“It was a big mess,” a sales assistant at an airport duty free store said.

“Even after the lights came back on, we had to stay closed because the computers weren't working,” she said.

Hours later, at 4.30pm, hundreds of suitcases belonging to passengers had been cordoned off at the Qantas check-in area and were being guarded by security staff because carousels weren't working.

Jetstar also had luggage cordoned off.

Throughout the day, security screening, check-in and baggage-handling procedures were affected, resulting in dozens of flights being delayed, Michael Samaras, the spokesman for Sydney Airport Corporation, said.

Back-up generators also took some time to come on, compounding the problem.

Stranded passengers voiced their frustration on Twitter.

“Absolute chaos at Sydney airport. Am definitely going to need that massage when I get to Bali,” one passenger wrote on the microblogging site.

“Check in isn't working, power outage, computers down. Line hasn't moved for 2 hours,” wrote another, while another said: “Someone obviously forgot to pay the electricity bill.”

Airport sources said the blackout was caused by a fire at the power station. However, Mr Samaras said this could not be confirmed.

“An investigation into the outages is under way. But right now, the focus is still on recovery,” he said.

“Sydney Airport is now doing its utmost to return the terminal to 100 per cent operation and is working closely with airlines, border agencies and government authorities to restore normal operations.”

Mr.Buzzy
1st Aug 2011, 09:33
At least you can drink the water in this third world country.

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