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The mad scramble to remove laptops and other electronic devices at security checks will soon finally be a thing of the past for passengers of Sydney Airport, with the long-awaited arrival of next-gen security scanners.
A $200 million redevelopment of Sydney Airport’s T2 domestic terminal, which hosts Virgin Airlines, Jetstar and regional airlines, will also introduce new time-saving self-serve bag-drop technology and a new terminal layout, designed to speed up checks and improve efficiency for the 17 million passengers who pass through each year.
A rendering of the upgraded Sydney Airport Terminal 2.
The new CT scanners, which aim to cut wait times by 50 per cent, won’t be implemented in time for the busy peak summer travel period, which ramps up from next month, with upgrade works set to commence in 2025.
The federal government first mandated the installation of the new scanners six years ago. Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 4 has had them in operation since 2019.
The changes will enable 95 per cent of passengers to travel kerbside to airside in less than 15 minutes, according to Sydney Airport.
New self-service kiosks and bag-drop technology will speed up bag processing capacity from 1500 bags per hour during peak times to 1800 by 2026.
New bag-drop technology promises to reduce waiting times for those checking in luggage.Credit: Oscar Colman
The overhauled security checkpoint will see the introduction of long-awaited three-dimensional CT scanning technology, which eliminates the need to remove laptops and electronic devices while passing through security and aims to significantly cut waiting times.
Dedicated lanes for family and assistance, as well as two new lifts, aim to streamline checks and access to the food court and gate lounges.