Huge lines at Sydney Airport's Virgin Terminal

There were huge check-in delays for Virgin Australia in Sydney this morning. Photo / Maldine2000 Twitter

Huge lines are snaking out of the Virgin Australia terminal at Sydney Airport as hordes of travellers head home from holidays.

The queues went all the way out of the terminal onto the footpath outside, becoming so long the airline has been forced to call out flights urgently requiring check-in. However, disgruntled passengers say forcing people to the front of the line has only caused more chaos.

Aurelie Pankowiak, a PhD student at Victoria University in Melbourne, tweeted two photos with the caption: "Opportunity to experience the world [sic] longest check-in line."

@VirginAustralia - opportunity to experience the world longest checkin line #2017 will be the #breakingrecord year 🎉 #travel @SydneyAirport pic.twitter.com/uB94JOJnIy

— Aurélie Pankowiak (@AureliePanko) January 2, 2017

Other awaiting passengers took to Twiiter to vent out thre frustrations.

Hard to describe the fiasco that is @VirginAustralia at Sydney check in - complete chaos. #howdoesthishappen

— Tony Wood (@TonyWood44) January 2, 2017

@VirginAustralia @SydneyAirport What a joke. Sydney airport t2 this morning. Queues overflowing to the roadway for Virgin passengers. pic.twitter.com/Qh5cu6GpBW

— Emily (@EmilyWaslaczyk) January 2, 2017

Chaos at @SydneyAirport As @Qantas baggage system dies. No one can get bags on and no-ones going anywhere soon pic.twitter.com/x49yN50Mnb

— Paul Bentley 😷 (@paulbentleymelb) January 2, 2017

This week will see some of the busiest travel days of the year, with many people travelling with young children and lots of bags.

Virgin Australia told news.com.au staff are working hard to have guests on their way as quickly as possible.

"Today is one of the busiest days of the year for travellers returning from holidays which has resulted in delays at our check-in counters at Sydney Airport this morning," the airline said in a statement.

"Each of our check-in counters are fully staffed and we are working hard to have guests on their way as quickly as possible. During peak travel periods we encourage guests to check-in online, arrive at the airport early, and listen out for announcements made in the terminal."

Jetstar and Tiger, which share the terminal, appear to be unaffected.