Ballina Airport - Introduction of controlled airspace

Statement of Need

Airspace around the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport will be managed by air traffic controllers from 2025 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 from 2025.

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.

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.