Managing Aircraft Noise

Our commitment

We need to cater for the changing nature of aircraft operations, air traffic growth, airport expansion and advances in aviation technology, while keeping aviation safety as our first priority.

This requires a careful balance of ensuring safety, operational efficiency, protecting the environment and minimising the effects of aviation noise on the community, wherever practicable.

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NCIS

We hear you

Making a complaint

We manage complaints and enquiries about aircraft noise and operations through our Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS). NCIS is the Australian aviation industry’s main interface on aircraft noise and related issues for the community.

Community tools

View WebTrak

Learn about aircraft in your neighbourhood

Learn about aircraft operations

Upcoming

Temporary changes in operations

Adelaide Airport SA 28 to 29 March 2023

Due to required runway works the main runway at Adelaide Airport, Runway 05/23, will be closed between 10:00pm on Tuesday 28 March and 5:00am on Wednesday 29 March. Aircraft will operate on Runway 12/30 during this period.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport NSW

Due to flood damage the medical response helicopter that normally operates out of Lismore has now been relocated to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport for approximately six months. The helicopter operations may occur at any time of the day or night and local residents may notice an increase during this time.

Jandakot Airport WA 12 December 2022 to April 2023

Due to construction works involving cranes, Runway 12 will be closed to normal arrival operations between 7:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday, and between 8:00am and midday on Saturdays. This will occur from Monday 12 December to Wednesday 21 December 2022 and recommence on Wednesday 4 January 2023 until April. Emergency services aircraft may utilise the runway during these times.

Melbourne Airport VIC 22 to 31 March 2023

Due to required works at the airport the east/west runway will be closed each day between 10:00am and 4:00pm from Wednesday 22 March to Friday 31 March, excluding the weekend. All aircraft will operate on the north/south runway during this time.

Melbourne Airport VIC from November 2022

The north/south runway, Runway 16/34 will be closed five nights a week between 6.5 and 8 hours for asphalt replacement works - for approximately 10 months from November 2022. Aircraft will use the east/west runway, Runway 09/27, during these times.

In February 2023 for approximately a month and in May 2023 for approximately a week, maintenance works will occur on the area where the two runways intersect. During this time, the north-south runway will be temporarily shortened, and the east-west runway will be closed, again for five nights a week.

Further information can be found on the Melbourne Airport website.

Melbourne Airport VIC March 2023

Due to required works at Melbourne Airport the east/west runway, Runway 09/27 will be closed between 10:00am and 3:00pm each Wednesday in March, commencing Wednesday 1 March at 10:00am and finishing on Wednesday 29 March at 3:00pm.

All aircraft will operate on the north/south runway during these times.

Sydney Airport NSW 25 March 2023

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority will be conducting navigation aid testing at and around Sydney Airport on Saturday 25 March. Local residents may observe a twin engine aircraft flying a low and unusual flight pattern up to 50 kilometres from the airport on this day.

AircraftNoise-AirTrafficControl

Access our

Airport gateway

We provide information about airport operations, including flight paths, movements, runways, aircraft noise monitoring, investigations and complaints.

Monitoring and reporting

Aircraft noise monitoring

We undertake long term aircraft noise monitoring at major Australian airports through the world’s largest, most geographically spread system of its type. We also undertake and report on short term aircraft noise monitoring.

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Always improving

Our key initiatives

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Frequently asked Questions

How low can aircraft operate?

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority have regulations for how low aircraft can fly. These regulations require pilots fly no lower than 1,000 feet (ft) over built-up areas, or 500 feet over any other areas, unless they are landing or taking off. Aircraft may be able to fly below these heights in certain situations. More information is available on the CASA website.

What is ground running?

Ground running is when an aircraft engine is tested at the airport while the aircraft is stationary on the ground. Airports are responsible for managing ground running and taking complaints about noise generated by ground running activities. More information about ground running is available on your local airport website.

Can I suggest a noise improvement?

Publications

Download our latest resources

View the latest fact sheets, reports, and other resources.

pdf

Trax International Brisbane PIR Interim Report March 2022

April, 2022
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Airservices Implementation Approach – Trax Interim Report

April, 2022
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Airservices Flight Path Design Principles

September, 2020