Sydney Airport’s T2 to finally get new security scanners, bag drop facility

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.

Scott Charlton, chief executive of Sydney Airport, said the upgrades will transform security performance and support future demand, ensuring “Australia’s busiest airport terminal can accommodate the significant growth in passenger numbers we’re forecasting.”

The upgrades build on a series of improvements made over the past 12 months at T2, including the launch of a department store, as well as new food, beverage and retail offerings.

Charlton warned the upgrade works “may cause temporary disruption” to passengers and airlines when they commence in 2025.

“We’re working hard to minimise any inconvenience and ensure the terminal remains operational throughout the process,” he said.

Passengers to Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal can also look forward to some time-saving updates, due for completion by the end of 2025, with plans to add 15 security screening lanes featuring the new CT scanners that allow passengers to keep liquids and aerosols in their carry-on luggage.

The update is set to increase screening capacity by nearly 30 per cent, and boost the number of passengers passing through each hour from 4500 to 5850.

Sydney Airport will also be rolling out additional inbound border processing E-gate kiosks as part of a partnership with Australian Border Force.

Sydney Airport’s investment announcement comes nearly six years after a government mandate to install the “standard three” security equipment, with a completion date for the end of 2025.