Melbourne Airport’s Chief of Aviation, Jim Parashos, has warned that Australia’s passport control system is outdated and struggling to cope, as complaints over long delays and broken SmartGates surge across the country.
Parashos told The Sydney Morning Herald that international passenger numbers have grown by over 50 per cent in the past decade, yet the number of kiosks hasn’t increased, resulting in overcrowding and unacceptable delays at peak times.
He stressed that Border Force staff are doing their best but urgently need more infrastructure to deliver a better experience.
Parashos’ comments follow the release of more than 100 pages of traveller complaints describing chaos at Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports — with some calling the situation “a clown show” and “an embarrassment.”
Despite ongoing failures, SmartGate contracts have ballooned by over $120 million since 2015, while usage remains well below government targets. Only 57% of passengers used the system last year, compared to a 90% goal.
Sydney Airport has begun purchasing new kiosks directly, and the federal government is trialling a digital declaration system — but industry leaders warn Australia is falling behind global standards as major events like the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approach.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
