Published on
February 8, 2026
A surge of travel technologies is being felt across airports in Canada, Australia and New Zealand as 2026 nears. Innovative systems have been deployed by state agencies to cut queues and strengthen security. New computed‑tomography (CT) scanners allow passengers to leave liquids and laptops in bags while biometric kiosks speed identity checks. Travel technologies like artificial intelligence and passenger‑sensing cameras are transforming the experience for travellers and are delivering operational efficiency for airport authorities. By drawing on official announcements from government agencies in each country, this article reveals where these cutting‑edge travel technologies have been installed and how they will shape airport journeys in 2026[1][2]. It has been written in a third‑person, passive voice to inform readers in a clear and unbiased tone.
Canada’s airport transformation is being led by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). In September 2024 CATSA announced a multi‑year national rollout of computed tomography (CT) technology at security checkpoints[3]. Vancouver International Airport was the first location where the new CT scanners were installed[4]. Ottawa International Airport became the second site in October 2024[5], and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport introduced CT scanners on a terminal‑1 screening line in December 2024[6]. These travel technologies generate three‑dimensional images of carry‑on baggage, allowing liquids, aerosols, gels and laptops to remain inside bags and thereby reducing screening time[7]. Passengers no longer need to remove permitted items, which improves convenience. CATSA plans to extend the CT deployment to several more airports over coming years[8].
Beyond scanners, Canada’s federal transport plan emphasises digital identity and biometric standards. Transport Canada’s departmental plan for 2025–26 notes that the agency will monitor and adopt new technologies related to digital identity and biometrics[9]. The plan outlines research into artificial‑intelligence‑based screening for air cargo, such as the Pre‑Load Air Cargo Targeting (PACT) system, which uses AI to detect high‑risk cargo before loading[10]. This broad commitment to travel technologies signals that by 2026 Canadians passing through major hubs will benefit from CT scanning, biometrics and AI‑enhanced security processes. Travellers should expect shorter queues, less physical contact with staff and more automated identity checks as these systems are rolled out.
Australia’s airports are embracing travel technologies under the oversight of the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Home Affairs. In May 2025 a joint media statement announced that eight new SmartGate kiosks were operational at Sydney Airport’s international terminal[11]. These kiosks use facial recognition to verify travellers using ePassports and have boosted inbound processing capacity by 640 passengers per hour[12]. Under a 2024 procurement agreement the airport will procure forty additional SmartGate units, with the ABF operating the systems[13]. A further thirty‑two kiosks will be deployed by early 2026, effectively doubling the number of automated gates[14]. This expansion demonstrates the government’s commitment to travel technologies that streamline border processing.
The same statement highlights a major overhaul of Sydney’s security screening. Fifteen new lanes featuring advanced CT scanning technology have been installed, of which seven were operational by mid‑2025[15]. The upgrade is expected to increase screening capacity by nearly thirty per cent and allows travellers to keep laptops and liquids in their carry‑on bags[15]. These travel technologies are complemented by ABF officers on site to assist passengers, ensuring that automated processing does not compromise security[16]. While Sydney is the flagship project, the Department of Home Affairs has indicated that SmartGate and biometric self‑service solutions are being refreshed across Australia’s ten international airports under a multi‑year program. By 2026 passengers departing or arriving at major Australian gateways are expected to move through automated kiosks and CT‑equipped lanes that combine convenience with robust border control.
New Zealand’s government has recognised that travel technologies can reduce bottlenecks and enhance security. In May 2024 the Minister of Transport announced that passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport could keep laptops and liquids in their bags because new CT scanning machines had been installed[17]. These machines produce high‑quality 3D images of cabin baggage and will be rolled out to domestic airports across the country[18]. The news release emphasises that the technology will streamline security processes while maintaining strong security measures[18]. By December 2024 the scanning equipment was to be available nationwide, signalling that by 2026 travellers at all major New Zealand airports will experience CT‑enabled screening.
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The same announcement notes that advanced passenger‑sensing technology is being deployed at airport checkpoints to monitor queue lengths[19]. Data from Wellington’s southern domestic screening point show that the share of passengers processed in less than five minutes increased from 89 per cent to 95 per cent once the sensors were introduced[20]. The Civil Aviation Authority will have access to passenger‑sensing data from all security‑screening airports by mid‑2025[21]. These travel technologies provide real‑time visibility of queuing conditions, enabling resources to be deployed dynamically. Together with CT scanners, they promise a safer and smoother journey for travellers across New Zealand by 2026.
Across Canada, Australia and New Zealand the adoption of CT scanners, biometric kiosks and queue‑monitoring sensors shows a broad commitment to using travel technologies for both security and passenger convenience. Canada has focused on CT scanners and is exploring digital identity and AI‑driven cargo screening[1][9]. Australia is expanding its SmartGate network while introducing CT‑equipped lanes in international terminals[11]. New Zealand is rolling out CT scanners nationwide and is using sensing technology to monitor and manage queues[22][19]. The shared theme is clear: travel technologies are being harnessed to make airport processing faster and less intrusive.
For travellers, these innovations mean less time unpacking belongings at security checkpoints, quicker identity verification and more predictable wait times. Biometric kiosks reduce reliance on human officers and allow for self‑service border control. Passenger‑sensing sensors enable airports to allocate staff to busy lanes before queues grow. Meanwhile, AI‑driven cargo screening and digital identity initiatives enhance security behind the scenes. By 2026 passengers moving between Canada, Australia and New Zealand will experience a more streamlined journey because travel technologies have been strategically deployed. The investments reported by government agencies show that these countries aim to set global benchmarks for safe, efficient and passenger‑friendly air travel.
CountryCities & airports (examples)Travel technologies deployedImplementation status (to 2026)CanadaVancouver (YVR), Ottawa (YOW), Toronto (YYZ)CT X‑ray scanners, digital identity initiatives, AI‑assisted cargo screeningCT scanners installed at major airports[23][5]; more to be deployed nationally; digital identity and AI programmes ongoing[24]AustraliaSydney (T1 International)SmartGate biometric kiosks and facial recognition; CT scanning lanesEight SmartGate kiosks installed and thirty‑two more planned[25]; fifteen CT lanes installed with seven operational[15]; nationwide SmartGate program underwayNew ZealandAuckland International and domestic airports nationwideCT scanning machines; passenger‑sensing queue‑monitoring technologyCT scanners installed at Auckland and rolling out nationwide[22]; sensing technology monitoring queues, with data accessible to all airports by mid‑2025[19]Sources
[1] [3] [4] [7] [8] [23] The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority announces its plans to install CT technology across Canada – CATSA
https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/catsa-announcement-install-ct-technology-canada
[2] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [25] New SmartGate Kiosks go live at Sydney Airport fast-tracking international arrivals
https://www.abf.gov.au/newsroom-subsite/Pages/New-SmartGate-Kiosks-go-live-at-Sydney-Airport-fast-tracking-international-arrivals.aspx
[5] CATSA’s New CT technology at YOW – CATSA
https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/catsa-s-new-ct-technology-yow
[6] CATSA’s CT Technology Now at YYZ – CATSA
https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/about-us/media/catsa-s-ct-technology-now-yyz
[9] [10] [24] Transport Canada 2025-2026 Departmental Plan
https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/transparency/corporate-management-reporting/departmental-plans/transport-canada-2025-2026-departmental-plan
[17] [18] [22] Accelerating airport security lines | Beehive.govt.nz
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/accelerating-airport-security-lines
[19] [20] [21] Actions to speed up air travel delivering results | Beehive.govt.nz
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/actions-speed-air-travel-delivering-results
