New smart security screening to reduce waiting times for international travellers in Melbourne

New hi-tech features will speed up travellers’ journeys through Melbourne Airport, with passengers to notice an instant difference from Thursday. These are the changes you can expect.

Waiting in long queues for security checks is set to become a thing of the past. File image: David Geraghty

Hi-tech security features will allow an extra 1000 international passengers to travel through Melbourne Airport every hour when they are switched on at Terminal 2 on Thursday.

Tullamarine is now the first airport in Australia to adopt state-of-the art screening security points which include X-rays, advanced explosives detection and automated tray returns.

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The new-look international terminal entrance has also been built so authorities can easily introduce facial recognition technology as it becomes more popular.

Melbourne Airport acting chief of aviation David Hall said international passengers would notice an instant difference when arriving at the terminal.

An artist impression of new security lanes at Melbourne Airport's international terminal. Picture: Supplied

“International security is often a pain point for travellers and can be quite daunting,” he said.

“We’ve taken the decision to not only improve the screening process with better technology but also a better experience for customers.

“It will ease the journey for people and the upgrades will get another 1000 travellers through the entrance every hour.”

New devices will scan boarding passes automatically, heightened security features will process travellers more quickly and a redesigned entrance will include art from local artists.

“By using eGates we can review multiple boarding passes at any one time, reducing queues at the entrance to the hall,” Mr Hall said.

“On top of that, the automated tray return systems permit travellers to essentially overtake slower passengers, by encouraging multiple people to place their luggage into trays on any one lane.

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“The area overall is a lot more welcoming through its design and aesthetics and we look forward to our travellers using the space.”

Melbourne Airport recorded more than 7.8 million international passengers in the last 12 months, an increase of 6.9 per cent.

Mr Hall said the terminal was also being designed with future technological advances in mind.

“We are seeing tremendous growth in international travellers at Melbourne Airport,” he said.

“The environment and the equipment has changed. Really smart technology will enable improved security and a better passenger experience.

“We’re future proofed in regard to facial recognition because the technology is there.”