Forget fumbling for laptops, liquids and aerosols – a smoother, smarter airport experience is on its way.
Australian travellers will soon glide through airport security without removing laptops or liquids, as part of a $2 billion national upgrade already transforming major Australian airports.
The federal government’s $2 billion national airport security upgrade is rolling out across the country, with Sydney Airport leading the charge. 11 of 15 new high-tech security lanes at Sydney’s T1 International Terminal are already online, doubling passenger throughput and allowing travellers to leave their devices and toiletries in their bags.
When completed, the overhaul will boost screening capacity by nearly 30 per cent, cutting queues and congestion for millions of domestic and international flyers.
The upgrade marks a major milestone in the way Australians move through airports. Advanced CT scanners and millimetre-wave body scanners will replace traditional X-ray systems, meaning no more unpacking electronics and less stop-and-start screening.
Brisbane Airport is following suit as part of its Domestic Terminal Transformation program, with five new CT lanes opening on 28 October, allowing the items to remain in travellers’ bags. The same technology will be introduced to its International Terminal by the end of 2025.
“The fact that passengers will be able to leave laptops and aerosols in their bags will make a real difference and remove one of the biggest frustrations for frequent travellers," Brisbane Airport head of terminal operations Stacey Pollard said.
Sydney’s $200 million Terminal 2 redevelopment also includes seven new screening lanes (two of which are already open), self-service bag drop, and ticketless check-ins designed to shrink the kerb-to-gate journey to just 15 minutes.
A major redevelopment of the T3 Domestic terminal is also underway, with 14 new dining venues opening from late 2025.
Behind the scenes, the NSW Government also confirmed a two-year trial of capped taxi fares between Sydney Airport and the CBD from 3 November, promising a seamless flow from arrival to departure.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton says the transformation will deliver more efficient and seamless passenger journeys.
“The investments we are making in screening technology, terminal upgrades and digital services are improving the travel experience across all terminals," Charlton said.
At Melbourne Airport, security screening is now the same across all terminals, with new state-of-the-art body scanners and CT x-ray technology lanes introduced at Terminal 1.
With passenger numbers surging and international capacity expanding – led by new services from Turkish Airlines, Etihad and Virgin Australia-Qatar Airways – Australian airports are racing to modernise their systems before 2026.
The federal upgrade aligns with new national security standards and aims to future-proof airports for a projected 72 million passengers a year by 2045, according to Sydney Airport’s recently released Preliminary Draft Master Plan 2045.
Travellers can expect a noticeable difference by 2026. Less unpacking. Less waiting. More time to grab a coffee before boarding.
In short, the future of air travel in Australia is faster, simpler, and finally, hassle-free.
