iscover
Melbourne Airport is upgrading the security screening checkpoints at its T1 Qantas domestic terminal.
The new scanners, which Australian Aviation understands are from Smiths Detection, will allow Qantas domestic passengers to pass through security without having to remove items such as laptops and aerosols from their bags, bringing T1 in line with the other T3/T4 domestic terminals.
“We know our customers love travelling through Melbourne and visiting the Qantas Lounges, cafes and shops,” said Darsh Chapman, Qantas’ executive manager of global airports.
“These new security screening points will mean customers no longer need to spend time taking laptops and other items out of carry-on luggage, which simplifies the process.”
Construction has begun on a temporary screening point at the eastern end of T1, which will open in August and take over from the permanent screening point during the upgrades.
The six lanes of the current screening point will be refurbished with new baggage and body screening equipment, with work expected to be completed by next year.
Melbourne Airport’s chief of aviation, Jim Parashos, said the new screening technology will give Qantas customers a “world-class” terminal experience.
“We have spent tens of millions of dollars upgrading passenger amenities to increase their capacity, and improve accessibility, including the installation of adult change facilities, all gender bathrooms and assistance animal relief areas,” he said.
“Introducing the latest security equipment is the final piece of the puzzle and will transform the Qantas domestic terminal at Melbourne Airport into a first-class facility.
“Installing this new security equipment while keeping the terminal operational is a significant logistics challenge, and we thank passengers for their patience and understanding while we undertake this work.”
Qantas in 2019 sold its T1 domestic terminal to Melbourne Airport for $355 million. The T2 terminal serves international flights, while the T3 and T4 terminals handle non-Qantas domestic services, with Virgin Australia operating from T3 and Rex, Bonza, Jetstar and other airlines from T4. Security screening upgrades for T3 and T4 were completed in 2022.
Melbourne is also refurbishing the baggage claim and arrivals hall in the T3 Virgin terminal, with works commencing last October on an $81 million project which is expected to be completed in 2025 and will double the size of the hall.
