Ballina Airport - Introduction of controlled airspace

Statement of Need

Airspace around the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport will be managed by air traffic controllers from 9 July 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. Currently uncontrolled airspace where pilots self-separate, the change to controlled airspace follows a direction from CASA for Airservices Australia to establish controlled airspace.

This initiative is in line with Airservices’ airspace modernisation program, which is enhancing the safety and efficiency of Australia’s airspace at major regional airports and improving accessibility to these locations for the aviation industry.

We’ve produced a video for you explaining the changes.

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. In 2024 and 2025, Airservices engaged with community and industry stakeholders on the proposed flight path design, which is now finalised. CASA has led industry engagement on the airspace change process and further information is on the CASA Consultation Hub.

Information for pilots and aviation industry operators can be found on CASA's website.