Australian travellers are set to experience a major shift in how they pass through airport security, with a nationwide overhaul of screening systems scheduled to begin rolling out in 2025. The federal government has confirmed plans to introduce advanced new technology designed to enhance safety while aiming to speed up the often tedious security process.
New Technology for Faster, More Effective Screening
The cornerstone of the changes is the phased introduction of new computed tomography (CT) scanners at major international airports across the country. This is not a minor update; it represents the most significant technological upgrade to passenger screening in Australia in nearly two decades.
Unlike the current two-dimensional X-ray machines, these advanced CT scanners create detailed 3D images of cabin baggage. This allows security officers to virtually rotate and inspect items from every angle, providing a far more comprehensive view. The key benefit for passengers is that the new rules will likely allow laptops, tablets, and large containers of liquids and gels to remain inside carry-on bags during screening.
This move aligns Australia with similar upgrades already underway at major hubs in the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe. The government has indicated that the rollout will be gradual, starting with high-traffic international terminals before potentially expanding to domestic security lanes.
Phased Rollout and Passenger Impact
The Department of Home Affairs is leading the implementation, which is slated to commence in the first half of 2025. While an exact start date for each airport has not been finalised, the upgrade program is expected to take several years to complete nationwide.
For the travelling public, the changes promise a more streamlined experience. The much-dreaded ritual of unpacking electronics and scrambling for small toiletry bottles should become a thing of the past at equipped checkpoints. The 100ml liquid limit will effectively be abolished for screenings using the new CT technology, though airlines' own carry-on liquid rules for consumption during flights may still apply.
"This is about making security both more robust and more convenient," a government spokesperson was quoted as saying. "The advanced detection capabilities of the new scanners mean we can maintain the highest security standards while reducing hassle for passengers."
A Long-Term Investment in Travel Efficiency
The security overhaul is framed as a critical long-term investment in Australia's aviation infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for efficient and contact-light processes, and these upgrades aim to future-proof the passenger journey.
Airports and airlines have largely welcomed the announcement, anticipating that reduced queue times and a less stressful security process will improve the overall travel experience. However, they have also cautioned passengers that the transition period may see a mix of old and new systems in operation, so advice from airport staff should still be followed closely.
In summary, the planned changes signal a new era for Australian air travel. By embracing cutting-edge screening technology, authorities aim to strike a better balance between unwavering security and passenger convenience, hoping to get travellers from the terminal entrance to their gate faster and with less fuss from 2025 onwards.
