A mother finally embracing her daughters after a two-year separation and a couple reunited after six months of long distance were just some of the heartwarming moments captured at Sydney Airport ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Tears flowed at the international terminal Wednesday morning as parents hugged their children, couples shared intimate moments and grandparents hugged their little ones after long flights overseas.
The holiday spirit was certainly in the air, with some families choosing to don Christmas-themed sweaters and Santa hats as they anxiously waited for their loved ones to walk through the gates.
For one family there was a particularly emotional reunion, with mother Vanessa having not seen her two daughters Yhanna and Erika for two years.
The couple, aged 28 and 22, live in the Philippines but were able to come on holiday to spend Christmas with their mother.
Emotions ran high at Sydney Airport on Wednesday morning as loved ones returned home
The family of a young woman returning home after a gap year are seen wearing matching Christmas jumpers
Vanessa (center in gray Lonsdale shirt) had not seen her daughters (on her right) for two years before Wednesday morning
The couple Sophia and Sam reunite after six months
Bronte is reunited with her partner TJ, who flew in from the United States on Wednesday
Bronte dressed up as a kangaroo to surprise her American boyfriend when he landed on Wednesday
Lovers are seen hugging their friends and family after landing on Wednesday ahead of Christmas
“I'm very happy,” Vanessa said through tears.
For others, the Christmas holidays were a chance for a long-awaited romantic getaway.
Young couple Sam and Sophie were reunited after six long months and stood in each other's arms for a long embrace at the arrivals hall.
Sam, who lives in Hong Kong, was only able to travel to Australia for 12 days over Christmas.
Another young woman, Bronte, was dressed in a kangaroo suit as she waited for her boyfriend TJ to land from the United States.
TJ has never been to Australia and the couple had been separated for a month before he landed on Wednesday.
Passengers on flights landing at Sydney Airport on Wednesday morning hug each other
A couple reunites at Sydney airport after weeks apart
A young traveler was welcomed with open arms upon arrival at Sydney's international terminal
A family welcomes their daughter and sister home after traveling abroad for the past three months
Tears flowed at Sydney airport on Wednesday as loved ones returned home or visited for the holidays
A young woman was tackled by her friends after landing in Sydney
Brothers are seen welcoming their sister Trixi home
Sydney Airport was packed with families and friends on Wednesday morning awaiting the arrival of their loved ones
Bronte hopes she can return to the United States with her partner.
“We tried the long distance but it didn't work out, so hopefully this is the last airport pick-up we have to do,” she said.
When asked about the unusual outfit, Bronte said her younger brother happened to have a kangaroo suit and she just couldn't resist surprising her boyfriend, who burst out laughing when he saw her.
One family waiting for their daughter Trixi to return from her gap year in Britain were all seen in matching Christmas jumpers, with even an extra jumper waiting for the young woman on arrival.
Trixi had returned with a group of friends who had also spent a year abroad, their mothers grinning from ear to ear in anticipation of their daughters finally coming home.
The young women were in tears as they wheeled their suitcases to their families, who wrapped their arms around them.
They were met by a crowd of loved ones armed with balloons and “welcome home” signs.
Trixi is seen surrounded by her friends after landing in Sydney on Wednesday
Many gave their loved ones flowers when they arrived in Sydney for the Christmas holidays