Superintendent Murray Ferguson said police officers had been training for months to ensure to safety of the airport and were well prepared for the challenge.

"We wish to assure everyone that we are taking this seriously and the full combined power our operations, supported by our counter-terrorism function and forensics will be available," he said.

"We have been actively preparing with the Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture and also the Canberra Airport and our security partners."

Superintendent Ferguson said officers would be monitoring anti-social behaviour, including excessive drinking, and encouraged future passengers to be respectful of others.

"You can expect that all aspects of unruly behaviour will be targeted and prosecuted to the full extent," he said.

Border Force Capability Superintendent Heidi D said customs officials and police held practice arrivals last week.

"We are hoping for a very seamless transition here in Canberra," she said. "The space has been designed to allow for the flow of people and to offset the work we have to do here."

At least 16 ABF officers will manage arrivals and departures at any one time. The airport will also be used to trial new procedures and technology for other airports.

Tina Hutchison, first assistant secretary at the Agriculture Department, said staff could not afford to be complacent about biosecurity.

"Singapore is an international hub which can take people to the rest of the world so almost anything then can come from there," she said.

The department will have close to five staff on each shift.

The first Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 is due to land at 8.50am on Wednesday, making only a 75-minute stop before heading to Wellington.