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Sydney news: More than 2.1 million passengers forecast to flood Sydney Airport in July school holidays

Sydney Airport says passengers can again expect long queues during the upcoming school holidays. (ABC News: Kamin Gock)

Here's what you need to know this morning.

Millions to pass through Sydney Airport

More than 2.1 million passengers are expected to fly in and out of Sydney Airport during the July school holidays.

The forecast includes 1.5 million domestic customers and 560,000 international passengers.

That's an increase of 300,000 people compared to the April period, when the airport struggled with massive delays.

Sydney Airport chief executive Geoff Culbert welcomed increasing passenger numbers but warned it would make for long waits.

"It's terrific to see the ongoing demand for air travel but we won't sugar-coat the fact that the terminals will be busy during the school holidays, and there will be queues," he said.

"We are doing everything we can to get people on their way, including bringing an additional 60 customer service staff into the terminals every day to help manage queues and bring passengers forward in order of flight priority."

The airport says passenger traffic has recovered to 69 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

Passengers are advised to arrive two hours prior to departure for domestic flights, and three hours before international flights, unless advised otherwise by their airline. 

Foot traffic is expected to peak on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, with the latter slated to be the busiest days.

Two bodies found in home

The deaths are being investigated by police.  (ABC News: Dan Cox)

Detectives are investigating the death of a man and woman after their bodies were found inside a home on the Central Coast yesterday.

As of last night, the bodies were yet to be formally identified but were believed to be both aged in their 80s. 

Emergency services found the bodies yesterday afternoon while responding to a welfare report at a residence on Maidens Brush Rd, Wyoming.

A report will be prepared for the coroner. 

Police have asked anyone who may have information that could assist detectives to contact Crime Stoppers.

Opal fare increase 

Opal fares will increase next month. (AAP: Joel Carrett)

Opal fares will increase by an average of 3 per cent across Sydney from next month.

The $50 a week cap for adults, $25 a week cap for youth and concession holders along with the $2.50 daily cap for pensioners will remain. 

Transport for NSW chief operations officer Howard Collins said the increase had been kept to a minimum, and was below the 5 per cent rise recommended by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. 

Explosion in Western Sydney kitchen

Emergency services on the scene last night. (TNV)

A man was rushed to hospital with serious burns after an explosion in a Parramatta kitchen last night.

Emergency services were called to a restaurant on River Road West and found the man suffering from multiple injuries.

NSW Ambulance Inspector Brian Parsell said the 23-year-old man was transported to Concord Hospital with burns to his head, both arms and chest.

"We believe that the burns occurred following an explosion in a restaurant where the gentleman was working," he said.

Police and Fire and Rescue NSW are investigating the cause of the explosion. 

Playing cards to help crack cold cases

NSW Police’s Unsolved Homicide Unit and Corrective Services NSW – in partnership with Crime Stoppers, and the Homicide Victims’ Support Group – have introduced playing cards into jails featuring victims of cold case murders. (Supplied: NSW Police)

Inmates at NSW jails will be provided with a deck of playing cards featuring pictures of cold case murder victims in a bid to potentially jog some memories.

Each deck contains cards displaying a photograph and information about an unsolved homicide or suspicious disappearance.

Deputy Premier and Police Minister Paul Toole said the initiative had been planned over many years in close consultation with the victims' families. 

"Today is about honouring the memories of victims, supporting their families in their search for justice, and encouraging inmates with crucial information to come forward," he said.

NSW Police Force Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty hoped the cards would generate new leads by circulating crucial information about suspected victims among inmates.

"This format has already had success in the United States and other jurisdictions here in Australia, and we have worked collaboratively under Operation Veritas for almost two years to ensure we get it right," he said.

"We know inmates often share details of their crimes or those committed by associates with others; this is about capitalising on that and generating new information to progress these cases."

Bail laws a 'balancing exercise'

NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman will seek to amend the Bill this week.  (AAP: Joel Carrett)

The NSW government will seek to strengthen bail laws, which allow some accused criminals to live in the community while awaiting their court appearances. 

Two amendments to the Bail Act 2013 are due to be raised in Parliament this week.

The first is that bail must be refused following conviction or a guilty plea and prior to sentencing, where the offender will be sentenced to full-time detention, unless special or exceptional circumstances can be established.

The second amendment will require electronic monitoring systems to meet a certain standard. 

"Getting our bail laws right is a delicate balancing exercise," said a statement from Attorney-General Mark Speakman's office.

"Where there are opportunities for improvement, the NSW government is committed to acting swiftly and decisively, to protect our community and support our frontline services in keeping our community safe, as we are doing this week."

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