Unpopular Aussie airport rule to end within days - what travellers need to know
One of Australia's most hated airport hassles is about to disappear.
- New scanners installed airports nationwide
- Will remove need to take out laptops from carry-on
- READ MORE: Bizarre way a woman allegedly tried to hide drugs in her baggage
By NICHOLAS COMINO, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA
Published: 02:59 GMT, 28 December 2025 | Updated: 04:39 GMT, 28 December 2025
Airport security will soon be much smoother for millions of Aussie travellers and international visitors, with the arduous task of unpacking laptops, tablets, and toiletries at screening checkpoints set to end.
New technology being rolled out nationwide means passengers will soon move through the screening process far more quickly and with less hassle.
Major airports across Australia were given until this Wednesday (December 31) to install the cutting-edge Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray scanners.
The advanced machines generate high-resolution 3D images of carry-on luggage, enabling security officers to inspect contents thoroughly without forcing travellers to unpack and remove devices and liquids.
The result will be shorter queues, fewer delays, and a more seamless experience.
However, the Department of Home Affairs has warned travellers that in some instances, a secondary review may require items to be removed from bags before they are cleared.
Australia's busiest airport is at the forefront of the changes.
Eleven of its planned 15 new high-tech security lanes at the Sydney T1 International Terminal are already in use.
New technology at Aussie airports (pictured in Brisbane) means that laptops will no longer need to be taken out of carry-on luggage at screening checkpoints
December 31 was the deadline for the new scanners to be installed at airport security screening checkpoints (stock image)
When fully installed, the upgrades will increase screening capacity by nearly 30 per cent, reducing congestion for millions of domestic and international passengers.
The $200million Sydney T2 domestic redevelopment will add seven new screening lanes alongside self-service bag drops and ticketless check-ins, aiming to cut the entire kerb-to-gate process to just 15 minutes.
'The investments we are making in screening technology, terminal upgrades and digital services are improving the travel experience across all terminals,' Sydney Airport chief executive Scott Charlton said
Brisbane Airport opened its first five CT lanes in October and is in the final days of completing its rollout.
'The fact that passengers will be able to leave laptops and aerosols in their bags will make a real difference and remove one of the biggest frustrations for frequent travellers,' airport head of terminal operations Stacey Pollard, said.
Adelaide Airport has started its own $600 million expansion, introducing body scanners and new CT systems.
Melbourne Airport is installing CT and body scanners throughout all terminals, while Perth, Canberra, Hobart and the Gold Coast are also deep into their security upgrade programs.
The federal government has invested $2billion in upgrading security systems as part of a national strategy to boost aviation safety and align Australia with international best practice.
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The days of removing electronic devices and liquids from luggage during the security screening process will end within days
The federal upgrade is designed to meet evolving security standards and future-proof terminals for an expected 72million passengers each year by 2045.
It comes after the NSW government recently launched a two-year trial of capped $60 taxi fares to and from Sydney Airport and the city as part of wider efforts to improve passenger flow.
With international visitor numbers climbing and new airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Etihad, and Virgin Australia-Qatar Airways joining Australia's skies, airports are racing to complete updating its systems in time for the new year.