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.

  • Update 3 - Controlled airspace at Ballina commences 9 July 2026

    Airservices Australia is entering the final phases of delivery for Ballina Enhanced Services Phase 1, with controlled airspace and air traffic control services scheduled to commence on 9 July 2026 (AIRAC).

    We are now in pre‑commissioning, with readiness, engagement and final preparation activities underway. This communication provides early awareness, with further updates and resources to follow.


    Project progress at a glance

    • Operational readiness and safety assurance progressing
    • Engagement across industry, community and stakeholders continues
    • Final commissioning and preparation underway


    We are on track for commencement on 9 July 2026. As with all operational changes, this remains subject to final readiness confirmation, with any changes to timing communicated in advance.

    As activity increases toward commencement, progress is also becoming more visible on site.

    Airservices Australia acknowledges the Bundjalung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is located. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise their continuing connection to Country, waterways and community.


    On the ground at Ballina

    • Infrastructure and site works advancing
    • Operational and technical teams active on site
    • Systems, procedures and readiness activities being integrated

    These activities are bringing together the elements required to safely introduce controlled operations. For further information or imagery of on‑site progress, please contact the project team.


    Formal aeronautical information (AIP SUP)

    The AIP Supplement (SUP H80/26) has been published, outlining operational procedures, initial operating settings and contingency arrangements.

    Access via: airservicesaustralia.com/aip/aip.asp


    Engagement and briefings

    Pre–go‑live BBQ Friday 26 June | Ballina Aero Club

    Updated event details have been shared, please reach out for further information.


    Briefings available

    Briefings and engagement sessions are available to support stakeholders ahead of commencement. You can reply directly and:

    • Request a tailored briefing
    • Join a general session
    • Stay connected as updates are released

    These sessions will continue to be available through commencement and transition.


    Community awareness (from 22 June)

    A community awareness campaign will roll out across digital, media and local channels to support understanding of the upcoming change, including potential adjustments to flight paths.

    More information: engage.airservicesaustralia.com/ballina-controlled-airspace


    What this means

    From 9 July, Ballina will operate as a Class D controlled aerodrome:

    • Aircraft operate under air traffic control instruction
    • Controllers manage sequencing and separation
    • Traffic flow becomes more structured


    Local operating characteristics

    • Single runway operations, including backtracking where required
    • Some sequencing and spacing will occur as part of normal controlled operations. Material delays are not expected; however, occasional minor delays may occur during peak periods.
    • Defined spacing between IFR arrivals will be applied (including minimum separation intervals) to support safe sequencing and coordination at commencement.


    Looking ahead

    Airservices Australia is entering the final phases of delivery for Ballina Enhanced Services Phase 1, with controlled airspace and air traffic control services scheduled to commence on 9 July 2026 (AIRAC).

    We are now in pre‑commissioning, with readiness, engagement and final preparation activities underway. This communication provides early awareness, with further updates and resources to follow.


    Project progress at a glance

    • Operational readiness and safety assurance progressing
    • Engagement across industry, community and stakeholders continues
    • Final commissioning and preparation underway


    We are on track for commencement on 9 July 2026. As with all operational changes, this remains subject to final readiness confirmation, with any changes to timing communicated in advance.

    As activity increases toward commencement, progress is also becoming more visible on site.

    Airservices Australia acknowledges the Bundjalung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is located. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise their continuing connection to Country, waterways and community.


    On the ground at Ballina

    • Infrastructure and site works advancing
    • Operational and technical teams active on site
    • Systems, procedures and readiness activities being integrated

    These activities are bringing together the elements required to safely introduce controlled operations. For further information or imagery of on‑site progress, please contact the project team.


    Formal aeronautical information (AIP SUP)

    The AIP Supplement (SUP H80/26) has been published, outlining operational procedures, initial operating settings and contingency arrangements.

    Access via: airservicesaustralia.com/aip/aip.asp


    Engagement and briefings

    Pre–go‑live BBQ Friday 26 June | Ballina Aero Club

    Updated event details have been shared, please reach out for further information.


    Briefings available

    Briefings and engagement sessions are available to support stakeholders ahead of commencement. You can reply directly and:

    • Request a tailored briefing
    • Join a general session
    • Stay connected as updates are released

    These sessions will continue to be available through commencement and transition.


    Community awareness (from 22 June)

    A community awareness campaign will roll out across digital, media and local channels to support understanding of the upcoming change, including potential adjustments to flight paths.

    More information: engage.airservicesaustralia.com/ballina-controlled-airspace


    What this means

    From 9 July, Ballina will operate as a Class D controlled aerodrome:

    • Aircraft operate under air traffic control instruction
    • Controllers manage sequencing and separation
    • Traffic flow becomes more structured


    Local operating characteristics

    • Single runway operations, including backtracking where required
    • Some sequencing and spacing will occur as part of normal controlled operations. Material delays are not expected; however, occasional minor delays may occur during peak periods.
    • Defined spacing between IFR arrivals will be applied (including minimum separation intervals) to support safe sequencing and coordination at commencement.


    Looking ahead

  • Update 2 - Final flight path design for implementation

    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.

  • Update 1 - Update on Enhanced Air Traffic Services at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport

    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.

Page last updated: 19 Jun 2026, 12:32 PM