Why is the Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price struggling today?

September was a dire month for Sydney Airport.

A lone traveller walks a suitcase through a large, empty airport terminal.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Sydney Airport (ASX: SYD) share price is dipping today after the company gave an update on passenger traffic for the month of September.

Over the month just ended, the company saw a significant drop in people landing and taking off from Sydney Airport.

In fact, September brought the lowest level of traffic faced by Sydney Airport since the beginning of the pandemic.

While a drop in airport traffic is an obvious outcome of New South Wales' recently ended lockdown, and today's release from the airport is non-price sensitive, some market watchers might be shocked by the apparent impact of travel restrictions.

At the time of writing, the Sydney Airport share price is $8.32, 0.24% lower than its previous close.

Let's take a closer look at the latest news from what has previously been Australia's busiest airport.

Sydney Airport share price slides amid traffic update

The Sydney Airport share price is struggling today after the company announced it saw 68% fewer passengers through its gates last month as it did in September 2020.

Only 23,000 people passed through Sydney Airport when travelling domestically last month, while 19,000 international travellers did the same.

For comparison, those same figures came to 25,000 and 26,000 in August 2021.

So far, since the start of 2021, only around 6.1 million passengers have travelled through Sydney Airport's gates. That's 38% fewer than had by this point in 2020.

Though, the future looks to be brighter for Sydney Airport and, likely, its share price.

New South Wales' lockdown ended earlier this month. Perhaps more exciting for the airport's shareholders, the state has pledged to scrap quarantine for vaccinated international arrivals from 1 November.

Additionally, Sydney Airport is still facing a potential takeover by a consortium of infrastructure investors.

As The Motley Fool reported on Monday, the consortium's due diligence period has ended, but it may still put its $8.75 per share takeover offer to the airport's shareholders.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Travel Shares

A woman on holiday stands with her arms outstretched joyously in an aeroplane cabin.
Travel Shares

Big ASX news! Qantas share price flies to new all-time high

Qantas stock has never reached this altitude before...

Read more »

airline crew stands on tarmac under aircraft
Travel Shares

Qantas shares lower on $120m profit hit

The airline operator is being made to pay for decisions it took during the pandemic.

Read more »

Man waiting for his flight and looking at his phone.
Travel Shares

One ASX 200 stock down 50% since July this fund just bought

The fund managers saw value in the ASX 200 stock following a 50% share price plunge.

Read more »

A smiling boy holds a toy plane aloft while a girl watches on from a car near an airport runway.
Travel Shares

Would Warren Buffett buy Qantas shares in December 2024?

Is this airline stock an appealing investment today?

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

Buying Qantas shares? You'll need to know this

Qantas shares have been soaring higher in 2024.

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price hits turbulence as engineers down tools

Qantas’ engineers are displeased with the results of pay negotiations.

Read more »

A woman ponders a question as she puts money into a piggy bank with a model plane and suitcase nearby.
Travel Shares

Will the Qantas share price take off again in 2025?

The Flying Kangaroo has smashed the market this year. Could it do the same in 2025?

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.
Travel Shares

Why the soaring Qantas share price could be 'difficult to sustain'

The Qantas share price has been a stellar performer in 2024, up 68.7% since 2 January.

Read more »