SmartGate Kiosks Go Live at Sydney Airport, Fast-Tracking International Arrivals
Faster, Smarter Arrivals Now at T1
Sydney Airport has installed eight new Australian Border Force (ABF) SmartGate kiosks at the T1 International Terminal. This upgrade boosts inbound international passenger processing capacity by 640 travellers per hour.
The rollout follows a 2024 agreement with the ABF, allowing Sydney Airport to purchase 40 SmartGate units under a new government procurement policy. ABF will operate the kiosks, while Sydney Airport funds the infrastructure to improve efficiency and traveller experience.
Early Results: Shorter Waits, Smoother Journeys
The new kiosks complement existing SmartGates consolidated in Pier B and Pier C. Together, these improvements reduced wait times by 10% in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024.
Now, 90% of arriving international passengers clear immigration in under 36 minutes. That’s a 12-minute improvement over the past 18 months, despite a 14% rise in international arrivals.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said, “Delivering these eight kiosks in under six months shows how well we work with the Australian Border Force.” He applauded the Albanese Government’s flexible approach to asset procurement, which helps fast-track improvements.
32 More SmartGates Coming by 2026
The full rollout of all 40 SmartGate kiosks is expected by early next year. Once complete, the number of kiosks at T1 will double, further speeding up border clearance. This will allow frontline officers to support passengers who need extra help, while keeping lines moving.
Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said, “When a tourist reaches Australia, I want them straight out there enjoying Sydney as soon as they can.”
ABF Commander Belinda Conn added, “These kiosks boost our ability to assist travellers quickly and efficiently.” She assured passengers that ABF officers remain on-site to guide them through the process.
Melbourne Follows Suit
Melbourne Airport is also upgrading, with 18 new kiosks on the way. They hope its investment will help ABF fast-track deployment and ease delays.
CEO Lorie Argus said current capacity falls short by about 1,000 passengers per hour during peak times. “We know passengers are frustrated, and we’re acting,” she told News Australia.
More Than Just SmartGates
The kiosks are part of Sydney Airport’s broader T1 investment plan. Upgrades to security screening are already underway, with seven of 15 new CT lanes operational. These scanners will increase capacity by 30% and let passengers keep laptops and liquids in their bags.
Add to that a $200 million T2 Domestic revamp and a T3 dining refresh, and it’s clear: Sydney Airport is committed to making travel smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.
How SmartGates Work
SmartGate kiosks offer a contactless, automated way to clear immigration. Travellers insert their ePassport, pose for a photo, and follow prompts on screen.
They then pass through the SmartGate portal, where facial recognition confirms their identity.
It’s all about faster processing, greater security, and an improved arrival experience — from gate to gate.