Adelaide Airport plans major security upgrade for passengers

Adelaide Airport is making a huge security change for departing passengers which includes eliminating one of the most annoying things for people queued to be screened.

Adelaide Airport is making a major upgrade to its passenger security screening system starting this weekend which will eventually eliminate the walk-though metal detectors — and also end the need for people to take laptops and tablets from carry-on bags.

Officials say the upgrade will make passing through security “simpler and seamless” for passengers and end confusion about what needs to be taken out for separate examination.

They anticipate the new system will make screening faster — but are also cutting one lane.

Body scanners and 3D X-ray bag scanners will be introduced across all security screening lanes as part of a significant upgrade of its central security screening point.

Dermot O’Neill is Adelaide Airport's new Executive General Manager People, Culture and Terminals.

Once complete, customers will no longer need to remove laptops, tablets or aerosols from their carry-on luggage when passing through the security checkpoint.

The airport now uses a mix of screening equipment which has caused confusion for some departing passengers uncertain about what they need to do before being screened, holding up queues as they scramble to unpack laptops.

Works are expected to be completed by late 2025.

The airport’s executive general manager, people, culture and customer Dermot O’Neill said the equipment upgrade would provide a “simpler security experience for customers.”

“The installation of new body and baggage screening technology will create a more seamless process for our customers, enhance safety and provide a connected experience through uniform screening procedures across major Australian airports,” Mr O’Neill said.

“We’ve been very conscious that using different screening equipment hasn’t been ideal for customers, and which in turn has made for an inefficient process.

The changes are hoped to speed things up for passengers through the security screening process. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes

“Rolling out the body scanners and 3D X-ray scanners will make things easier both for travellers and for our security teams.”

The changes will see the number of security lanes cut from seven to six, as officials expect the new system to make screening faster.

“However we will also build in capacity to add back in a seventh lane when needed to cater for future demand,” Mr O’Neill said.

“The commencement of works this weekend will see the right-hand security lane moved to a temporary location to the left of the screening checkpoint behind the corner of the Virgin check-in area.

“We will do all we can to minimise disruption to customers during construction, but there may be times when there is some minor impact to screening.

“We will provide as much notice as we can to customers should there be particular times and dates when we anticipate screening may take a bit longer than usual.”

Adelaide Airport also is improving its security screening technology for checked-in baggage with the terminal’s main baggage handling system.

At present the airport uses two body scanners and one 3D X-ray bag scanner at the central checkpoint.

Other lanes use walk through metal detectors and 2D bag scanners.

The 3D X-ray scanner uses computed tomography (CT) to generate a 3D image, providing a significantly enhanced view of items being screened.

The scanner has an automated tray return system to speed up customer screening and reduce manual handling of trays by security personnel.