Airlines and airports are urging travellers to limit their baggage and arrive earlier for domestic and international flights, as tougher security measures prompt concerns of travel delays across the country.
The federal government announced tougher security processes at all major Australian airports after police said they had foiled an alleged terror plot in Sydney on Saturday.
Travellers are being told to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Qantas, Tiger, and Virgin Australia have also urged passengers to limit the amount of carry-on and checked baggage they bring, to reduce delays in screening.
The precautions include additional checks of cabin and checked baggage at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Cairns and the Gold Coast.
“All Australian airports have been asked to exercise increased vigilance in their security operations, including at security screening points and within the terminal area,” transport minister, Darren Chester, said.
“As a matter of course, the Australian government will continue to monitor security developments and adjust security settings as needed,” he said.
There were mixed reports about the impact of the new arrangements at Sydney airport. The ABC reported waiting time of up to 90 minutes.
But a number of users on social media praised Qantas and Sydney airport workers for getting passengers through quickly.
Less than 20min from entering #SydneyAirport to gate. Delays?😄#travelpro
— Timothy Vdp (@TimothyVdp) July 30, 2017
Checked in, bag drop and security screen all in less than 5 minutes @SydneyAirport just now. #keepcalmmedia
— Sarah Sinclair (@sar_sinclair) July 30, 2017
@Qantas why would there only be 2 security gates open on a day of expected delays #fail @SydneyAirport #news #Sydney pic.twitter.com/U4PnWmFwlQ
— Baz Rao (@bazrao) July 30, 2017
Increased #security @BrisbaneAirport only caused additional 5 mins delay. Security staff focused, efficient and polite.
— Paul Sargeant (@paulbsargeant) July 30, 2017
The alleged plot to use an improvised device to bring down a plane in Australia prompted the tougher arrangements.
Police raided five properties across Sydney on Saturday, arresting four men who are yet to be charged.
Australian federal police commissioner, Andrew Colvin, said there was nothing to suggest airport security had been compromised, but described the plot as credible.
Big delays at Adelaide Airport this morning. Security line for miles. Huge security increase. @theTiser
— Thomo (@liamthompson1) July 29, 2017
Melbourne airport is insane this morning if you're traveling allow extra time @MelbourneAir
— Jill Rischbieth (@jillrisch) July 29, 2017
Not sure I agree with the 'creation' of a mass gathering 'before' security screening #sydney #airport #terrorplot -closed screening stations pic.twitter.com/oLgfU8Mun5
— Chris Cubbage (@AmlecHouse) July 30, 2017
