Statement regarding Canberra Air Traffic Control Tower

During routine maintenance a substance suspected to be asbestos was found in a piece of equipment in the Canberra air traffic control tower.

We subsequently evacuated the tower to ensure the safety of our air traffic controllers.

Alternative air traffic control services have been put in place to ensure minimal disruption to services while we complete further testing, which is being carried out now.

We will provide further updates as we have them.

Update: 3:45pm AEST

Testing has confirmed no asbestos has been found in the tower.

Air traffic controllers are returning to the tower.

Posted on: September 11, 2019

More news
Related topics

Airservices provides safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible services to the aviation industry.

Infrastructure in the sky: Why Australia’s growth depends on getting airspace right

Australia is preparing for a 25-30% surge in air traffic over the next decade with billions of dollars pouring into airports, aircraft, drones and improved aviation services. But there’s a bottleneck that could undermine this nation-shaping investment – the largely invisible infrastructure of the sky.

Airservices Australia celebrates International Day of the Air Traffic Controller

It’s a niche, high-pressure and dynamic role – and not one for the faint-hearted – but Airservices Australia’s 900-strong air traffic controller (ATC) workforce wouldn’t have it any other way. Today, on International Day of the Air Traffic Controller (IDATC), we proudly honour our highly skilled, passionate and dedicated ATCs, who operate 24/7 to keep […]

Airservices Australia Releases September Australian Aviation Network Overview 

Airservices Australia has released its Australian Aviation Network Overview report for September 2025. Highlights include: About AirservicesAirservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for safely and efficiently managing air traffic in 11 per cent of the world’s airspace, as well as the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We are regulated by […]

Airservices Australia Releases August Australian Aviation Network Overview 

Airservices Australia has released its Australian Aviation Network Overview report for August 2025. Highlights include: About AirservicesAirservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for safely and efficiently managing air traffic in 11 per cent of the world’s airspace, as well as the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We are regulated by […]