We use cookies to ensure our site functions properly and to store limited information about your usage. You may give or withdraw consent at any time. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy.
Manage Cookies
A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs. As per the GDPR law, companies need to get your explicit approval to collect your data. Some of these cookies are ‘strictly necessary’ to provide the basic functions of the website and can not be turned off, while others if present, have the option of being turned off. Learn more about our Privacy and Cookie policies. These can be managed also from our cookie policy page.
Strictly necessary cookies(always on):
Necessary for enabling core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. This cannot be turned off. e.g. Sign in, Language
Analytics cookies:
Analytical cookies help us to analyse user behaviour, mainly to see if the users are able to find and act on things that they are looking for. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. Tools used: Google Analytics
Ballina Airport – Introduction of controlled airspace
Airspace around the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport will be managed by air traffic controllers from 2026 to safely accommodate the continued growth of air traffic in the region.
The decision to enhance air traffic services at Ballina Airport resulted from the 2022 Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Airspace Review of Ballina, which included extensive feedback from industry.
This initiative will seek to enhance aviation safety outcomes and support equitable access at a major regional airport.
The new air traffic services will result in changes to both airspace and flight paths, and subsequently what the community may notice from the ground. Airservices will engage with community and industry stakeholders on the proposed flight path design options. CASA is leading industry engagement on the airspace change process and further information can be found via CASA’s consultation hub.
Airspace around the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport will be managed by air traffic controllers from 2026 to safely accommodate the continued growth of air traffic in the region.
The decision to enhance air traffic services at Ballina Airport resulted from the 2022 Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Airspace Review of Ballina, which included extensive feedback from industry.
This initiative will seek to enhance aviation safety outcomes and support equitable access at a major regional airport.
The new air traffic services will result in changes to both airspace and flight paths, and subsequently what the community may notice from the ground. Airservices will engage with community and industry stakeholders on the proposed flight path design options. CASA is leading industry engagement on the airspace change process and further information can be found via CASA’s consultation hub.
Airservices Australia is pleased to share the final flight path design to support Ballina Byron Gateway Airport's transition to controlled airspace. For further information, please click here.
Airservices Australia is pleased to share the final flight path design to support Ballina Byron Gateway Airport's transition to controlled airspace. For further information, please click here.
Airservices Australia would like to provide an update on the introduction of air traffic control services at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, following a 2022 Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) airspace review and extensive industry engagement since that time.
Airspace safety around Ballina has been progressively enhanced through several initiatives, including the implementation of a Surveillance Flight Information Service (SFIS), installation of an additional Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) ground station, and adjustments to radio frequencies to reduce congestion.
The aerodrome control service, originally planned for 27 November 2025, is now scheduled to commence on 11 June 2026. Detailed analysis of the proposed control tower site has identified several infrastructure challenges, including line-of-sight obstructions. As a result, the aerodrome control service implementation timeframe has been revised to ensure a fit-for purpose solution that meets all regulatory and operational requirements. The introduction of Class D airspace and approach control services will also align with the updated schedule.
Until the new air traffic control service is introduced, SFIS will continue to support safe airspace operations at Ballina.
Airservices will continue to keep stakeholders informed and will resume engagement activities, in coordination with CASA, in line with the revised timeline. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact our Customer Engagement Team at stakeholder@airservicesaustralia.com.
Airservices Australia would like to provide an update on the introduction of air traffic control services at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, following a 2022 Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) airspace review and extensive industry engagement since that time.
Airspace safety around Ballina has been progressively enhanced through several initiatives, including the implementation of a Surveillance Flight Information Service (SFIS), installation of an additional Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) ground station, and adjustments to radio frequencies to reduce congestion.
The aerodrome control service, originally planned for 27 November 2025, is now scheduled to commence on 11 June 2026. Detailed analysis of the proposed control tower site has identified several infrastructure challenges, including line-of-sight obstructions. As a result, the aerodrome control service implementation timeframe has been revised to ensure a fit-for purpose solution that meets all regulatory and operational requirements. The introduction of Class D airspace and approach control services will also align with the updated schedule.
Until the new air traffic control service is introduced, SFIS will continue to support safe airspace operations at Ballina.
Airservices will continue to keep stakeholders informed and will resume engagement activities, in coordination with CASA, in line with the revised timeline. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact our Customer Engagement Team at stakeholder@airservicesaustralia.com.
