"But in some ways I'm grateful they have extra security on today. They might have arrested four people, but who knows how many more of them there are out there," Bryant said.
He currently lives in Surry Hills, the same suburb where one of the arrests was made.
Four men were arrested in connection with a bomb plot that involved an aircraft.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said security has been increased across all major airports as a result of the investigation. The four men have not been charged.
He wouldn't elaborate on what exactly the new measures involved, however the office of transport security has been advised that security screening will take longer.
Kiwi Jody Thomas, who was visiting Sydney with her husband, is a regular visitor to Australia.
She has never seen traffic on the way to the airport as bad as today's.
"It was just bumper to bumper, 2km away from the airport," she said.
"And we've never seen queues like they are today. People are just packed inside the terminal with no space in between, and there's an anxious and stressed tone. Even the Gold Elite queue was slow."
Thomas reported a Singapore Airlines flight unable to land while it waited for another flight to depart, as passengers were delayed getting on board.
Calls for passengers to board their flights were far more frequent than usual.
"It's quite unnerving," Thomas said. "It's just not very nice to know what's happening in the world, and that it can happen anywhere."I don't have any fear of flying, but today I'm a bit anxious."
Auckland Airport reported no delays to trans-Tasman flights as a result of the measures, but Air New Zealand is advising passengers in Australia to check in early for flights.
A spokeswoman for the Qantas Group, which owns Qantas and Jetstar, said the company was working closely with government and airport partners to implement the increased security measures at Australian airports.
"Given the additional screening requirements, we ask passengers to arrive at the
terminal two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international
flights.
"Passengers are also asked to limit the amount of carry-on and checked baggage where possible as this will help to ensure security screening is efficient.
"Australia has very strong safeguards in place at its airports; these changes are about
making them even stronger.
"We appreciate the understanding and patience of passengers as we implement these enhanced security measures."
A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority said it was continuing to keep a close watch on the global aviation safety environment.
"The safety and security of the travelling public is our primary concern and we are able to respond quickly should there be any need to vary the level of security screening at our airports.
"Travellers to New Zealand from Australia should check with their airlines to ensure they allow sufficient time."
Mike Richards of New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority said that there were currently no additional security measures in place for New Zealand flights, but the CAA was ready to vary the level of security screening at short notice if required.
