The Beatles’ fans caused havoc when the mop-topped band passed through this much-frequented destination, and 44.4 million passengers pass through it each year – so it only makes sense that Sydney Airport is the most checked-in place in Australia on social media each day. And, with these check-ins comes around 3,000 selfies taken every day at the departure wall.

This year marks the airport’s 100th birthday, and things have changed both in the air and on the ground since its first flight took off in 1919. Now, nearly 50 airlines fly in and out of the terminal each year – to more than 100 global destinations. And, this month, the Sydney Airport welcomed its 1 billionth passenger.

On the ground, guests continue to arrive early to enjoy pre-flight repasts at the likes of Kitchen by Mike and The Bistro by Wolfgang Puck, or a spot of pre-holiday shopping at one of the airport’s luxe stores, including Rolex, Burberry, Armani, Tiffany, Hermes and Gucci – and before you know it you’ve hit your luggage limit (again).

A staggering 44 million passengers in one year is difficult to picture – but it’s about the equivalent of filling the Sydney Cricket Ground three times over every day of the year.

The first flight from the Mascot base, a century ago, carried only one passenger – a photographer who took aerial photos over Sydney. The International terminal, now known as T1, was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, almost 50 years ago, in 1970. As far as we know, she did not take any selfies while opening the terminal.