Watches, laptops and an air fryer: airport auctions lost and found treasures

Thousands of personal items were lost at Sydney Airport as more than 41 million travellers passed through the NSW transport hub in 2024.

Sydney Airport has a dedicated lost property team, but anything that cannot be reunited with its owner is sold at auction to benefit young swimmers in the city's inner west.

This year's auction includes 250 laptops, 200 earbuds and headphones, 60 Kindles, 100 pairs of sunglasses, 250 pieces of jewellery and watches, 250 pieces of clothing and 80 handbags and wallets.

But there were also some more unexpected items in the haul.

A vacuum cleaner, a frying pan, an air fryer, a coffee machine, two pairs of binoculars, the Lord of the Rings book collection, a violin and an electric keyboard will also be auctioned.

The auction will be run online by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, with bids coming from around the country.

The proceeds go towards free swimming lessons for Sydney families at risk of not participating in learn-to-swim or other dedicated water safety programs.

"This auction is more than just a chance to score a great find, it's about giving back to our local community," Sydney Airport corporate affairs general manager Josh Clements said.

"Together, the Inner West Aquatics team and Sydney Airport are committed to improving water safety, promoting health and wellbeing, giving more of our local children the chance to learn to swim," he said.

"We've kicked this fund off with a $100,000 donation and hope the Lost Property Auction will help triple that amount.

"For every $25 raised, another child gets a free swimming lesson, equipping them with life-saving skills and confidence in the water, right here in the communities around the airport."

More than $1.9 million has been raised for charities and community initiatives through Sydney Airport's Lost Property Auctions since 2013, the airport said.

The auction closes between June 9 and 12.