Sydney expects airport chaos

Olympians will be hoping there will be no travel delays

Olympic officials have expressed as Sydney airport prepares itself for a mass exodus following the completion of the Games.

Sydney is facing what is being dubbed 'Manic Monday' as thousands of athletes, officials and fans start flying home.

The Games will have lasted 17 days, and airport officials expect a record 28,000 people to depart from the international terminal in one day.

This figure will be compared with the expected arrival of about 16,000 international passengers.

Passengers

Another 80,000 passengers are expected to come in and out of the domestic terminals.

We have been having some pretty big days at the airport during the Games but this will be a major step up

  Peter Gibbs, airport spokesman

"It's going to be 'Manic Monday'," airport spokesman Peter Gibbs has told the Daily Telegraph.

"We have been having some pretty big days at the airport during the Games but this will be a major step up.

"A lot of people are going to want to go at the same time."

Celebrations

It is believed that departures had been boosted by athletes deciding to remain in the Olympic village, despite finishing their competitions, wanting to celebrate and leave with their team mates after the closing ceremony.

Meanwhile, Ansell, the official supplier of condoms for the Games, have rushed in emergency supplies to cope with increased demand in the athletes' village.

"Judging by the demand the medal tally is certainly rising both in and out of the sporting arena," said Ansell spokesman Burton Van Rooyen.