ADELAIDE AIRPORT: Security screening upgrade to 3D X-Ray scanners on all lanes

Adelaide, like many other Australian airports, has been a bit of a lottery as to whether you get the 3D S-Ray scanners and don’t have to remove your aerosols, computers and electronic devices, or you get the old-fashioned scanners and do need to remove everything.

It’s very confusing for this and many other travellers.

Adelaide Airport currently uses two body scanners and one 3D X-Ray bag scanner at the central checkpoint. The other lanes at the moment use walk-through metal detectors and only 2D bag scanners.

All 3D X-Ray scanners coming

Well, in late 2025 that will not be such a lottery.

The new 3D X-Ray scanners use computed tomography (CT) to generate a 3D image, which provides a significantly enhanced view of screened items. The new scanners also come with an automated tray return system which helps speed up customer screening and reduces manual handling of trays.

“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.”

Dermot O’Neill, Executive General Manager People, Culture and Customer

In the meantime

The roll-out is set to commence this weekend (7&8 September 2024). It will involve a bit of a re-arrangement of the current setup.

“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.”

Dermot O’Neill, Executive General Manager People, Culture and Customer

Expect some disruption and a reduction in the number of lanes available.

“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.”

Dermot O’Neill, Executive General Manager People, Culture and Customer

2PAXfly Takeout

My only question is why has this taken so long to update?

Maybe I’m missing something and there is more structural work to be done on the airport building. More than just swapping machines.

Whatever. I’ll be pleased to not be confused when I enter security at Adelaide Airport any more.