Sydney Airport security queues: Faster checks at Terminal 3 as new scanners go into operation
Updated ,first published
Travellers passing through Sydney Airport have been beset by long queues for security in recent months, on occasion stretching out of the terminal and down the footpaths.
But some passengers, at least, will now enjoy quicker checks after the airport finally rolled out new baggage scanners that no longer require travellers to remove their laptops or aerosols when passing through security.
The three-dimensional CT scanning technology aims to cut waiting times by up to 50 per cent, but have only just started operating at Sydney Airport almost three years after they first went into operation at some other terminals around the country.
During the Easter holidays, when travellers experienced long waits at the airport, questions were asked as to why the new scanners, that could help alleviate the problems caused by COVID-19-related staffing shortages, had not yet been rolled out.
Now, almost four years after the Department of Home Affairs mandated the upgrades, the new scanners are operating at Terminal 3, where Qantas domestic flights depart from.
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Sydney Airport did not confirm when the new scanners went into operation, but a staff member said they had been online for about a month. They will be rolled out to the other terminals but no timeline has been provided.
Despite a large queue on Thursday evening, passengers moved quickly through security with wait times just 10 minutes.
But the problems travellers face are not over yet. On Monday morning lines again stretched outside Terminal 2 and down the footpath, with the airport citing heavy fog and a "technical issue" with security for the delays. Airlines continue to recommend domestic passengers arrive 90 minutes before their flights.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Airport confirmed the new scanners were now operating at Terminal 2 for international flights, while Virgin Australia passengers, who currently go through screening at Terminal 3, would soon be moved to an expanded Terminal 4 security check, which has had the new scanners operating since late 2019.
See also: Right now, Australia hates Qantas. But it won't last
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Craig Platt is the digital editor of Traveller and has had responsibility for the travel content on the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday digital products since 2007. He has worked in journalism for more than 25 years. Craig has a strong interest in aviation and airlines, as well as wildlife tourism and (increasingly) family travel. He has visited every continent, including once visiting six of the seven in a single year (he missed Africa).