Much-anticipated and sorely needed, the overhaul will tackle long-standing frustrations that travellers to and from the airport have expressed throughout the years, with slow-moving check-in queues and drawn-out security wait times at the top of the list.

Leading the charge in a suite of major updates to the Terminal are upgrades to the security checkpoints, including the introduction of advanced ‘Standard 3’ scanners across seven processing lanes by the end of 2025. Designed to cut down the amount of time people spend waiting in security checkpoint lines, the new ‘Standard 3’ scanners will allow travellers to go through security with laptops and liquids still in their carry-on, as well. The Airport will also be introducing dedicated lanes for families and those who may need assistance, as well as two new lifts making it easier to access the food court and departure areas.

An increase in the number of available self-service kiosks and bag drop facilities is also on the list to be upgraded, with the airport estimating that 95% of passengers will reach airside in less than 15 minutes once these upgrades are complete. T2 Terminal currently serves 17 million passengers annually, making this a lofty but achievable goal.

Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton, is excited for the Airport’s future. “While we understand that the upgrade works may cause temporary disruption, we want to thank passengers and our airline partners for their patience and understanding during this important transformation.” The upgrades are set to make Sydney Airport T2 Terminal “one of the fastest and most efficient in Australia”.

This initiative builds on recent upgrades at T2, including enhanced dining, retail options, and the opening of a Duty-Free-style department store near Gate 31.