Virgin Australia is scrapping its long-running Premium Entry lanes at Sydney and Brisbane airports next month, replacing the popular direct-to-lounge perk with expanded priority screening inside the main terminal.

The airline confirmed the dedicated kerb-side entry points – long considered one of Velocity’s most valued elite benefits – will close on 19 December as part of a nationwide security screening upgrade.

Sydney’s Premium Entry will shut permanently, while Brisbane’s will remain offline until late 2026 as the terminal undergoes major infrastructure works.

From 15 December, Virgin will roll out extended Priority Screening hours across major airports including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

At Sydney and Melbourne, priority lanes will operate 5am–10am and 2pm–7pm on weekdays, while Brisbane will offer all-day access once its central screening zone opens.

Eligible travellers include business-class passengers, Velocity Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Beyond members, Lifetime Lounge members and high-tier frequent flyers from partner airlines including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and United Airlines.

Virgin says the shift will “more than double” access to priority screening, aided by new scanning technology that allows travellers to leave laptops and liquids inside their bags.

The airline forecasts that 95% of Sydney passengers will clear security in under 15 minutes once upgrades are complete.

The move has sparked mixed reactions.

Many frequent flyers welcomed broader peak-hour coverage, arguing it will cut long morning queues.

But others lamented the loss of Premium Entry, describing the kerb-to-lounge shortcut as a major time-saver for corporate travellers.

Some Velocity loyalists even floated switching to Qantas, which continues to offer round-the-clock priority lanes at major airports.

The decision comes amid Virgin’s post-IPO push for tighter cost control and a streamlined operation.

Virgin chair Peter Warne last week told investors the airline remains “laser focused” on sustainable spending, while CEO Dave Emerson said Virgin would “only invest where shareholders get a return.”

The upgrade coincides with broader changes to the Velocity program, including the introduction of Forever Gold and Platinum Plus. Virgin expects to operate 5.4 million seats nationwide during the busy summer season.