Adelaide Airport security screening upgrade underway

Adelaide Airport will roll out body scanners and 3D x-ray bag scanners across all security screening lanes as part of a significant upgrade of its central security screening point, starting this weekend.

Once complete, customers will no longer need to remove laptops, tablets or aerosols from their carry-on luggage when passing through the security checkpoint. Currently the airport has a mix of screening equipment, which has caused confusion for some customers uncertain about what they need to do before being screened.

Works are expected to be completed by late 2025.

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.

“Rolling out the body scanners and 3D x-ray scanners will make things easier both for travellers and for our security teams. We will be reducing the number of security lanes from seven to six because we anticipate quicker screening times for each customer, however we will also build in capacity to add back in a seventh lane when needed to cater for future demand.

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

BACKGROUND

•    Adelaide Airport currently uses two body scanners and one 3D x-ray bag scanner at the central checkpoint. Other lanes currently use walk through metal detectors and 2D bag scanners.

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

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