Major airport delays amid 'intensified' security following plane 'terror attack' plot
Airports across Australia are experiencing check-in delays after the Australian government introduced heightened security measures following a thwarted terrorist plot.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said airport screening will be "intensified" after Federal Police arrested four men in Sydney over a conspiracy to bring down a plane.
Travellers have now been warned to arrive two hours earlier for domestic flights, and three hours earlier for international trips, because of "additional scrutiny" at screening and bag checks.
Photos posted to social media show check-in huge queues snaking through Sydney and Adelaide airport.
Passengers told 7 News Online the heightened security measures included each bag being swabbed as part of an explosive test before they were allowed to be checked on the plane.
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Some passengers took to Twitter to complain of flight delays.
After Mr Turnbull's announcement on Sunday, Virgin Airlines put out a travel alert, informing passengers on updated check-in allowance time.
"Passengers should arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow time for security screening," the statement read.
A spokesperson also said Qantas and Jetstar were "working closely with government and our airport partners to implement the increased security measures."
"We appreciate the understanding and patience of passengers as we implement these enhanced security measures," the statement read.
Mr Turnbull said increased security measures have been placed on all Australian airports.
"Those travelling should go about their business with confidence," he said.
"But the Office of Transport security has advised that security screening will take longer and travellers should arrive at terminals at least two hours before flights to allow ample time for screening.
"They should limit the amount of carry on and checked baggage as this will help to ensure security screening is efficient."
On Saturday afternoon, NSW and Federal Police swooped on properties in the Sydney suburbs of Surry Hills, Lakemba, Wiley Park and Punchbowl and arrested four men.
Police say the operation disrupted a conspiracy to bring down a plane using an improvised device.
The Australian Border Force maintains a permanent presence at Australia's major international airports, along with a counter-terrorism unit.
