Australia’s Sunshine Coast Airport Opens High-Tech Check-In Hall With 18 Kiosks to Speed Up Travel

Sunshine Coast Airport has opened a high-tech check-in hall as part of its terminal transformation in Queensland, Australia. Eighteen self-service check-in kiosks, ten automated bag-drop units and a dedicated oversized baggage facility have been installed to simplify departures. The Automated Airport Check-In technology, supplied by Elenium Automation, allows travellers to print baggage tags and process luggage with greater independence.

The opening matters as passenger traffic rises and a wider terminal upgrade progresses towards completion in 2027. More space, additional departure gates and upgraded facilities are being delivered to support the airport’s expanding domestic and international travel network in coming years.

Automated Airport Check-In Simplifies Baggage Processing

At the new hall, check-in steps can be completed through automated equipment. Passengers are able to use the 18 self-service check-in kiosks to print baggage tags before luggage is placed on one of ten automated bag-drop units. A separate drop has been provided for oversized items.

The equipment has been supplied by Elenium Automation, whose products are used at more than 40 airports by 45 airlines worldwide. According to the company, its self-service systems have been used by more than two billion passengers.

Airport chief executive Chris Mills described the opening as a significant stage in a wider effort to make departures more straightforward. The refreshed hall has also been designed to feel modern and welcoming.

Common-Use Kiosks Work Across All Airlines

The facilities use a common-use arrangement, meaning that the same kiosks and bag drops can be used regardless of which airline is operating the flight. Passengers therefore do not have to select equipment dedicated to a particular carrier.

Airline staff remain available to provide assistance when needed, so the use of automated services is not presented as a replacement for customer support.

Operations general manager Kate McCreery-Carr said the arrangement was intended to offer greater choice while making movement from check-in towards departure simpler.

Elenium chief executive Aaron Hornlimann said flexible, scalable systems were being introduced to meet different airline and airport requirements. This combination of technology and in-person assistance has been identified by the airport as central to a better journey.

Passenger Growth Reinforces the Need for Airport Investment

Sunshine Coast Airport is described as one of Australia’s fastest-growing airports. Around 1.8 million passengers were welcomed at Sunshine Coast Airport in the 2026 financial year, with annual traffic projected to reach 2.4 million by 2030.

More capacity has been provided on Sydney and Melbourne routes than at any previous point in the airport’s history. Together, those markets account for 88 per cent of seats on flights to and from the airport. Around 240 flights per week were recorded during the FY26 holiday period.

The network includes Adelaide, Auckland, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney, alongside a connection to Singapore via Bali. Flights are supported by Air New Zealand, Alliance, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia.

These figures provide the context for investment in Automated Airport Check-In and wider passenger facilities.

Australia Airport Expansion Adds Terminal Space and Gate Capacity

The Sunshine Coast project provides a concrete example of Australia Airport Expansion through larger facilities and automated passenger processing.

The terminal footprint is being enlarged from 6,100 square metres to 11,750 square metres, while the domestic departure lounge is being expanded from 1,250 to 3,750 square metres.

Departure gates are being increased from five to seven, representing a 40 per cent rise in gate capacity.

Completion of the full terminal upgrade is scheduled for 2027. The check-in hall forms one stage of these wider works rather than a standalone installation.

Its automated bag drops and self-service check-in kiosks have been incorporated into a development intended to make the building easier to navigate while accommodating growing passenger numbers.

Sustainability Features Included in Terminal Upgrade

Climate-sensitive design has been included in the construction programme, alongside measures relating to energy and water use.

The airport has identified mass timber, rainwater harvesting, expanded solar panels and energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning among its sustainability features.

These elements are being delivered within the same terminal upgrade as new check-in equipment, a larger lounge and additional departure gates.

The project has been framed by airport management as an investment in smoother passenger journeys and a more welcoming terminal environment.

Self-service equipment is being combined with the option of airline staff support, rather than being presented as the only way to check in. The wider building programme, including these environmental features, is scheduled for completion in 2027.

The opening of the new check-in hall is a measurable step in Sunshine Coast Airport’s terminal transformation. Eighteen kiosks, ten automated bag drops and a dedicated oversized baggage facility have been introduced to simplify departures across all operating airlines. Passenger assistance will continue to be available alongside the automated equipment.

The works are being delivered as traffic grows and the airport prepares for a larger terminal, departure lounge and gate network. With completion scheduled for 2027, the upgrade brings passenger processing, capacity and environmental design into one project. Its immediate change is straightforward: more convenient check-in options are now available.