Hobart Airspace Design Review

Airservices has been progressing the recommended actions identified through the Post Implementation Review (PIR). The status of each recommended action is available to view here https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/46094/widgets/319381/documents/245468.

We are progressing the recommended actions for community and industry suggested flight path alternatives as two separate packages of work.

A new project page has been created on Engage Airservices https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/hobart-community to provide you with ongoing updates on the delivery of these two packages of work. Please subscribe to this new page to continue receiving updates on this project.


Image of a Qantas Airways Australia approaching tarmac for landing at Hobart Airport

On 7 November 2019, Airservices introduced new instrument flight procedures and flight paths at Hobart Airport.

For information on current aircraft operations visit our interactive Aircraft in Your Neighbourhood website here.

As these flight paths have now been operating for 12 months we have commenced a Post Implementation Review (PIR).

The objectives of the PIR are to:

  1. Validate the assumptions and forecast noise levels in the Airservices Environmental Impact Assessments of the final design, high level routes and VOR procedures against actual aircraft movement data
  2. Review community information to ensure it reflects the most up to date information regarding the use of the flight paths, procedures, routes and actual aircraft noise levels
  3. Identify opportunities to minimise the impact of aircraft operations on the community
  4. Provide stakeholders with the opportunity to submit flight path alternatives including amendments to Noise Abatement Procedures (NAPs).

As part of the PIR we have installed short-term noise monitors to collect aircraft noise data to assist in this analysis.

How do I receive updates on the PIR?

If you wish to receive further updates on the PIR, you must register and subscribe to follow this project.


On 7 November 2019, Airservices introduced new instrument flight procedures and flight paths at Hobart Airport.

For information on current aircraft operations visit our interactive Aircraft in Your Neighbourhood website here.

As these flight paths have now been operating for 12 months we have commenced a Post Implementation Review (PIR).

The objectives of the PIR are to:

  1. Validate the assumptions and forecast noise levels in the Airservices Environmental Impact Assessments of the final design, high level routes and VOR procedures against actual aircraft movement data
  2. Review community information to ensure it reflects the most up to date information regarding the use of the flight paths, procedures, routes and actual aircraft noise levels
  3. Identify opportunities to minimise the impact of aircraft operations on the community
  4. Provide stakeholders with the opportunity to submit flight path alternatives including amendments to Noise Abatement Procedures (NAPs).

As part of the PIR we have installed short-term noise monitors to collect aircraft noise data to assist in this analysis.

How do I receive updates on the PIR?

If you wish to receive further updates on the PIR, you must register and subscribe to follow this project.


Airservices has been progressing the recommended actions identified through the Post Implementation Review (PIR). The status of each recommended action is available to view here https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/46094/widgets/319381/documents/245468.

We are progressing the recommended actions for community and industry suggested flight path alternatives as two separate packages of work.

A new project page has been created on Engage Airservices https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/hobart-community to provide you with ongoing updates on the delivery of these two packages of work. Please subscribe to this new page to continue receiving updates on this project.


  • Community Suggested Alternatives Submissions Closed

    The submission period for Community Suggested Alternatives is now closed.

    We thank everyone who participated by providing a submission and we will now review and consider all submissions.

  • Webex Q&A Summary Published

    Thank you again to everyone who attended our Webex Panel Meeting earlier this month.

    We have published a summary of the Webex Questions and Answers (including any questions we did not get time to answer during the meeting) here.

  • Community Suggested Alternatives

    Thank you to everyone who attended our Webex Panel Meeting yesterday. A recording of the Webex is available here and a copy of the presentation is available here.

    We will also provide a summary of Questions and Answers from the Webex shortly.

    Submitting Community Suggested Alternatives

    Community suggested alternatives can be submitted until Wednesday 19 May 2021 (5pm Hobart time).

    To submit a suggestion complete our online survey.

    The survey will take you through a series of questions to provide the required information. You will be able to attach files and images to the survey.

    If you would like to submit your suggestion/s by mail you can write to us at:

    Community Engagement

    Airservices Australia

    Locked Bag 747

    Eagle Farm QLD 4009

    Before you submit your suggestions read our fact sheet here.

    If you would like to ask us a question you can submit it here. We will also continue to update our FAQs here.

  • Hobart PIR Update #2

    Community Suggested Alternatives

    As part of the PIR we are accepting community suggested alternatives for flight paths and Noise Abatement Procedures (NAPS).

    We are providing a range of resources and engagement opportunities to assist community members in the development of these alternatives.

    1. Updated Community Specific Fact Sheets - As part of the Hobart Airspace Design Review we developed Community Specific Fact Sheets based on forecast operations (May 2019). These have now been updated using actual aircraft movement data from summer operations at Hobart Airport (data collected during 2019/2020). You can access this updated information here.
    2. Community Suggested Alternatives Fact Sheet - This Fact Sheet describes the design constraints, considerations and opportunities for suggestions, and our assessment methodology for community suggested alternatives. You can access this Fact Sheet here.
    3. Flight Path Design Principles - Community Suggested Alternatives will be considered with reference to Airservices Flight Path Design Principles


    Webex Panel Meeting - Community Suggested Alternatives

    Join our Webex meeting to ask questions about the flight path design considerations and constraints, and how to submit your community suggested alternatives.

    Webex details:

    Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021

    Time: 5-6:30pm (Hobart time)

    To join the Webex complete the registration form here. Registrations close 5pm (Hobart time) Tuesday 9 March 2021.

    You can submit questions before or during the meeting. We will provide a link to the Webex and troubleshooting information prior to the meeting.

    A recording of the Webex will be available in the videos section.


    Submitting Community Suggested Alternatives

    Community suggested alternatives can be submitted from Thursday 11 March 2021 to Wednesday 19 May 2021 (5pm Hobart time).

    To submit a suggestion complete our online survey.

    The survey will take you through a series of questions to provide the required information. You will be able to attach files and images to the survey.

    If you would like to submit your suggestion/s by mail you can write to us at:

    Community Engagement

    Airservices Australia

    Locked Bag 747

    Eagle Farm QLD 4009

    IMPORTANT: Before you submit your suggestions for flight paths or Noise Abatement Procedures read our fact sheet here.

  • Final Terms of Reference Released

    Thank you to those who submitted feedback during the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) review period. We received a total of 20 submissions from the community, including one detailed submission. Two submissions were duplicates and five were about other topics including current operations and suggested flight path changes.

    The remaining 13 submissions included feedback on the draft ToR. This feedback included:

    • extend/delay the commencement date of the PIR due to the impact of COVID-19 on aircraft movements
    • include a review of Class C Airspace and radar surveillance in the scope
    • include changes Airservices made to the Tasmanian high level route structure in the scope
    • remove the out of scope section entirely
    • not exclude changes to airspace for which Airservices is not the arbitrator (e.g. Danger Area D316) or previously examined flight path change proposals
    • consider specific areas 'not previously overflown’ when reviewing the impact of noise on communities.


    After considering the feedback we have updated the ToR. You can access a consideration of feedback summary here, and the ToR here.

    Next Steps

    As outlined in the ToR we are undertaking a number of activities as part of this PIR, including desktop noise modelling, short-term noise monitoring, review of community information and review of stakeholder feedback and suggestions.

    In the next few weeks we expect to release updated community information and make an initial call for submissions of community suggested alternatives.


  • Draft Terms of Reference Public Comment Period Closed

    The public comment period for the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) is now closed.

    We thank everyone who participated by providing feedback on the draft ToR.

    We will consider all community feedback and will provide an updated version of the ToR on this project page.

  • Hobart PIR Update

    Launch of Aircraft in Your Neighbourhood and WebTrak

    We have created a dedicated Hobart Airport portal on our interactive Aircraft in Your Neighbourhood website. On this website you can access customised information on airport operations at your location by entering your address or dropping a pin in your area.

    We have also launched WebTrak for Hobart Airport, which is a flight activity tracker that allows you to see where aircraft fly.

    Installation of Short-Term Noise Monitors

    Thank you to all community members who submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to host a short-term noise monitor at their property. We received over 50 EOIs from a range of locations, and have now installed short-term noise monitors at three of these locations.

    The short-term noise monitors are installed at:

    • Richmond
    • Primrose Sands
    • Connellys Marsh

    The data from these noise monitors is available on WebTrak.

    Public comment period on draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for Post Implementation Review

    The public comment period for the draft ToR is open until Sunday 10 January 2021 (midnight AEDT).

    You can access a copy of the draft ToR here or download it from the Resources tab.

    You can provide your comments by:


  • Short-Term Noise Monitor Expressions of Interest Closed

    The Expressions of Interest (EOI) for short-term noise monitor locations has now closed.

    Thank you to all community members who submitted an EOI. We received over 50 EOIs from a range of locations.

    We will review these EOIs and contact potentially suitable locations to organise further investigations and site testing.

  • Post Implementation Review Commences

    You can participate in the PIR by:

    1. Commenting on the draft Terms of Reference (ToR)
    2. Submitting an Expression of Interest for a short term noise monitor to be installed on your property


    Public Comment Period on draft Terms of Reference

    The draft ToR describes the activities we will undertake for the PIR. This includes:

    1. Desktop noise modelling comparing the assumptions and findings of the EIA with actual aircraft movement data
    2. On-ground short-term noise monitoring to support the desk-top review and provide actual aircraft noise data within the N60 noise contours
    3. Review of community information regarding forecast aircraft noise and operational impacts on community against actual aircraft movement data, and provision of updated information where required
    4. Consideration of stakeholder feedback regarding the safety, operational management, efficiency and community noise impacts of the flight paths, including community suggested alternatives to flight paths and/or procedures.

    The draft ToR are available for public comment for 6 weeks, from:

    Friday 27 November 2020 to Sunday 10 January 2021 (midnight AEDT).

    You can access a copy of the draft ToR here or download it from the Resources tab.

    You can provide your comments by:


    Short-Term Noise Monitoring

    We are seeking assistance from the community to identify appropriate private properties that are within or close to the three potential short-term noise monitor installation zones identified by Airservices.

    These three zones experience regular aircraft traffic, are relatively close to the airport and, in our modelling, were in the noise contours forecast to experience greater than ten 60 decibel (dB(A)) noise events per day.

    We are planning to have the short-term noise monitors installed before Christmas to commence data capture during the holiday period when aircraft operations are expected to increase. This will be dependent on identification of appropriate sites and negotiation with property owners.

    Further information about short-term noise monitors and site suitability is provided in our fact sheet here.

    You can submit your expression of interest for hosting a short-term noise monitor by completing our short survey here.

    The survey asks for your address, specific site information and local information you believe may be relevant regarding site suitability.

    Expressions of Interest close at 5pm (AEDT) Wednesday 9 December 2020.

    If you would like to promote the PIR and/or the short-term noise monitoring activities, we have provided a social media tile here and here for sharing through your local community groups.

  • Previous updates - 2019

    15 November 2019

    Following the completion of the Hobart Airspace Design Review, new flight paths for Hobart Airport arrivals and departures commenced operation on 7 November 2019.

    For information on aircraft operations in your area see our Community Specific Fact Sheets.


    Why did Flight Paths have to change?

    Airservices Australia introduced changes to arrival and departure flight paths at Hobart Airport in September 2017. The changes were designed to organise aircraft departing from or arriving into Hobart Airport onto standard routes called Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs).

    In response to negative community feedback regarding aircraft noise and visual impacts, we committed to amending the arrival flight path for Runway 30, and this was implemented in March 2018. We additionally committed to reviewing the design of the SIDs and STARs for runway 12 and runway 30 within the operational requirements and constraints at Hobart Airport.


    What activities formed part of the Review?

    A timeline of the Hobart Airspace Design Review was developed to present the progress of the review.

    Submissions closed on 7 January 2019.

    Feedback was sought via the following

    • Online Submission form
    • Written submissions (email and post)
    • Onsite Community Consultation sessions were held in November 2018 in Bagdad, Brighton, Campania, Copping, Dunalley, Primrose Sands, Sorell, Richmond and Taranna.


    How did we listen?

    Following the Hobart Airspace Design Review consultation period, we carefully analysed and considered all the feedback and submissions received through a comprehensive process to develop the final flight path design. The Consultation Summary Report is a summary of feedback received through engagement activities undertaken between 31 October 2018 and 7 January 2019.

    The final design was shaped by this feedback, delivering a range of safety enhancements and operational efficiencies, while minimising the effect of aircraft operations on communities and the environment, where possible.

    We invite you to read the Hobart Airspace Design Review Final Report, which contains the final design and how we considered feedback.

    Our community engagement activities in support of the final design included on-site community updates in the Hobart area and online Q&A sessions during May 2019.


    24 May 2019

    Following the release of the Hobart Airspace Design Review Final Report on 29 March 2019, we have finalised the Hobart Airspace Design Review.

    Implementation of the final design, and associated airspace, is planned for 7 November 2019.

    CASA Approval was received for the Airspace Change Proposal on 8 May 2019.

    Today we have also launched our new engagement hub, a digital platform that will support our community engagement activities. We are pleased that the Hobart Airspace Design Review is the first project to be hosted on this platform. For more information on the sessions and to participate in the Live Q&A sessions, please visit and register via https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/

    Throughout next week we will be undertaking several activities as part of the Community Update Program in support of the Final Report. Airservices staff are providing various opportunities for you to follow up on questions regarding how aircraft will operate on the new flight paths:

    Community Update Activities

    • On-site community information display – hosted at the Civic Administration Centre, Sorell Council from Monday 27 May – Friday 31 May 2019. This static display will include information on the final flight paths and seasonal aircraft movements, community specific fact sheets and information about airspace change processes. Community members are invited to visit this display and access the information at their convenience or access fact sheets from Clarence Council and Tasman Council.
    • Face to Face Information Sessions – during our Face to Face sessions, we will be able to demonstrate to you how and where aircraft will fly on the flight path, relative to your home. Meet with Airservices representatives in person at the Civic Administration Centre, Sorell Council: Thursday 30 May, 12pm to 1pm; Friday 31 May, 10am to 11am; Friday 31 May, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
    • Virtual Drop - In/Live Online Q&A Sessions – representatives from Airservices will be available to answer your questions regarding the new flight paths to be implemented on 7 November 2019 live. Today we have also launched our new engagement hub, a digital platform that will support our community engagement activities. We are pleased that the Hobart Airspace Design Review is the first project to be hosted on this platform.

    For more information on the sessions and to participate in the Live Q&A sessions, please visit and register via https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/ during the following dates and times: Thursday 30 May, 10am to 11am; Thursday 30 May, 5pm to 6pm; Friday 31 May, 12pm to 1pm.


    29 March 2019

    Following the Hobart Airspace Design Review consultation period, we have undertaken a comprehensive process to develop the final flight path design.

    We have carefully analysed and considered all the feedback and submissions received during the consultation period.

    The final design has been shaped by feedback from the community, delivering a range of safety enhancements and operational efficiencies, while minimising the effect of aircraft operations on communities and the environment, wherever possible.

    We invite you to read the Hobart Airspace Design Review Final Report, which contains the final design and consideration of feedback.

    Our community engagement activities in support of the final design will include on-site community updates in the Hobart area in May 2019, and community specific fact sheets.

    Further information regarding dates and locations will be provided on the website shortly.

    Thank you to all who have provided feedback during the Hobart Airspace Design Review.


    26 March 2019

    Airservices released the Hobart Airspace Design Review – Proposed Design Feedback Consultation Summary Report on 7 March 2019 and invited community members who provided feedback during the consultation period to review the report to ensure that their feedback was accurately reflected.

    Feedback was received from 11 participants/community groups, and was considered and actioned as follows:

    • Correction: where a correction has been requested that is a matter of fact and not opinion about accuracy of analysis based on partial access to all the information, the correction has been verified against records, and acted upon accordingly to amend or not amend the report.
    • Opinion: where an opinion is expressed about accuracy of analysis based on partial access to all the information, the analysis has been checked against the data and reviewed for accuracy, and acted upon accordingly to amend or not amend the report.
    • Clarification: where clarification has been requested, the items have been reviewed and acted upon accordingly to amend or not amend the report.

    Click here for the final report.

    Airservices has also received feedback on the Hobart Airspace Design Review – Stakeholder Reference Panel 2 Summary Report (October 2018), which has been incorporated.

    Click here for the updated report.

    Airservices thanks everyone who has provided feedback on these documents.


    7 March 2019

    Airservices conducted consultation on the proposed Hobart Airspace Designs between 31 October 2018 and 21 December 2018, with written submissions received until 7 January 2019.

    This included consultation with community, and industry stakeholders (including airlines, airports and general aviation operators). The industry feedback has been consolidated into the Industry Consultation Feedback Summary.


    28 February 2019

    Airservices conducted consultation on the proposed Hobart Airspace Design between 31 October 2018 and 21 December 2018, with written submissions received until 7 January 2019.

    A total of 277 submissions and responses were received from community members during this period. Verbal and written feedback was also received during 15 on-site consultation sessions held in the Hobart area (between 15 and 21 November 2018).

    These community submissions, responses and feedback have been consolidated into the Hobart Airspace Design Review - Proposed Design Feedback Consultation Summary Report.

    Community members who provided feedback during the consultation period are invited to review the report to ensure that their feedback has been accurately reflected. Please note that consultation on the proposed designs closed on 7 January 2019 and that, in the interests of transparency and fairness, additional or further feedback cannot be accepted.

    Comments on the report can be provided until 11 March 2019 to Tania Parkes Consulting via email or telephone.

    Consultation was also undertaken during this period with other stakeholders, including airlines, operators and other industry representatives. A summary of the other stakeholder feedback will be provided on the website on 7 March 2019, including the release of the Stakeholder Reference Panel #2 Summary Report.

    Airservices is currently conducting an analysis of all of the stakeholder feedback and will provide a report on how this feedback has been considered in the development of the final Hobart Airspace Design. The Consideration of Feedback report will be released in late March 2019.


    1 February 2019

    You can now access documents and reports through the interactive Timeline here.


    17 January 2019

    During the Hobart Airspace Design Review Community Consultation period Airservices received feedback regarding the airspace design development process.

    In response to this feedback, Airservices has produced a Design Development Process Fact Sheet. This fact sheet provides an overview of the process.

    We have received a number of submissions and responses, and will be consolidating them into the Proposed Flight Path Design Consultation Summary Report, due in February 2019.


    11 January 2019

    The Community Consultation period for the Hobart Airspace Design Review closed on Friday 21 December 2018, and the extended period for written feedback submissions closed on Monday 7 January 2019.

    We would like to thank all stakeholders for their feedback.

    We have received a number of submissions and responses, and will be consolidating them into the Proposed Flight Path Design Consultation Summary Report, due in February 2019.