Sydney Airport - changes to departures from Runways 16L and 16R

Consultation on this project has now concluded. Thank you for your interest, comments and input. 

Airservices Community Engagement team

Airservices is implementing improved safety measures to increase separation between departing and arriving aircraft at Sydney Airport.

The departure procedures from the southern end of both parallel runways will change slightly to better separate aircraft from each other.

Departures from Runway 16L (parallel runway on the left when facing the bay)

Currently, jet departures from Runway (RWY) 16L track through the bay, between Kurnell and La Perouse, at times crossing over the coastline on their way through the bay.

Future jet departures from RWY 16L will track closer to the centre of Botany Bay which may reduce aircraft noise impacts for the communities of Kurnell and La Perouse.

Departures from Runway 16R (parallel runway on the right when facing the bay)

Departures from RWY 16R currently proceed straight out from the runway and perform a U-turn manoeuvre at an altitude of 6,000ft (over water), to then cross the coastline and proceed to their northern or western destinations. The location at which the aircraft performs the U-turn, and subsequently crosses back over the coastline, varies on the type and size of the aircraft. Smaller or lighter aircraft reach this height earlier than larger, heaver aircraft. This results in traffic crossing the coastline at different points.

The proposed change will see departures from RWY16R all follow a consistent path straight out from the runway and do a turn over water at the same location, before crossing the coastline at the Royal National Park at an altitude of at least 10,000ft.

How will this change the noise levels experienced on the ground?

As the proposed departure path from RWY16L tracks closer to the centre of the bay (and away from residential areas), this change may have improved aircraft noise outcomes for the communities of Kurnell and La Perouse. The condensed departure procedure will see aircraft operating slightly further away from La Perouse but no closer to Kurnell. This change does not apply to turboprop aircraft that currently fly over the La Perouse area.

Aircraft departing RWY 16R that are headed west or north will consolidate on a path which will cross the coastline at a single crossing (Royal National Park) at an expected altitude of at least 10,000ft. This change is expected to impact noise levels in townships in the Royal National Park area, such as Engadine, Helensburgh and Stanwell Park. This area currently experiences overflight from aircraft operations at Sydney Airport (including jet departures from RWY16R) however the number of movements is expected to increase, being at a higher altitude than current operations.

Why is Airservices Australia making this change?

Introducing these changes will improve separation distances between aircraft that are departing and arriving at Sydney Airport. It is imperative that aircraft are kept separated from each other to maximise safety.

When will this change come into effect?

It will come into effect on 30 November 2023.

How do I find out more information?

A fact sheet with further details (including aerial imagery) is available here.

Ask a question via the “Questions" tab below.

Airservices is implementing improved safety measures to increase separation between departing and arriving aircraft at Sydney Airport.

The departure procedures from the southern end of both parallel runways will change slightly to better separate aircraft from each other.

Departures from Runway 16L (parallel runway on the left when facing the bay)

Currently, jet departures from Runway (RWY) 16L track through the bay, between Kurnell and La Perouse, at times crossing over the coastline on their way through the bay.

Future jet departures from RWY 16L will track closer to the centre of Botany Bay which may reduce aircraft noise impacts for the communities of Kurnell and La Perouse.

Departures from Runway 16R (parallel runway on the right when facing the bay)

Departures from RWY 16R currently proceed straight out from the runway and perform a U-turn manoeuvre at an altitude of 6,000ft (over water), to then cross the coastline and proceed to their northern or western destinations. The location at which the aircraft performs the U-turn, and subsequently crosses back over the coastline, varies on the type and size of the aircraft. Smaller or lighter aircraft reach this height earlier than larger, heaver aircraft. This results in traffic crossing the coastline at different points.

The proposed change will see departures from RWY16R all follow a consistent path straight out from the runway and do a turn over water at the same location, before crossing the coastline at the Royal National Park at an altitude of at least 10,000ft.

How will this change the noise levels experienced on the ground?

As the proposed departure path from RWY16L tracks closer to the centre of the bay (and away from residential areas), this change may have improved aircraft noise outcomes for the communities of Kurnell and La Perouse. The condensed departure procedure will see aircraft operating slightly further away from La Perouse but no closer to Kurnell. This change does not apply to turboprop aircraft that currently fly over the La Perouse area.

Aircraft departing RWY 16R that are headed west or north will consolidate on a path which will cross the coastline at a single crossing (Royal National Park) at an expected altitude of at least 10,000ft. This change is expected to impact noise levels in townships in the Royal National Park area, such as Engadine, Helensburgh and Stanwell Park. This area currently experiences overflight from aircraft operations at Sydney Airport (including jet departures from RWY16R) however the number of movements is expected to increase, being at a higher altitude than current operations.

Why is Airservices Australia making this change?

Introducing these changes will improve separation distances between aircraft that are departing and arriving at Sydney Airport. It is imperative that aircraft are kept separated from each other to maximise safety.

When will this change come into effect?

It will come into effect on 30 November 2023.

How do I find out more information?

A fact sheet with further details (including aerial imagery) is available here.

Ask a question via the “Questions" tab below.

Consultation on this project has now concluded. Thank you for your interest, comments and input. 

Airservices Community Engagement team

  • Sydney Airport 16L and 16R departures animation

    The Sydney Airport Community Forum (SACF) has suggested that a video would help to illustrate the recent changes to departures from the 16L and 16R runways at Sydney Airport.

    In response we have produced an animation video which illustrates this change to aircraft movements.

    Click on the videos tab watch the animation.

  • Extension to consultation period

    We have become aware that a section of the community was not notified of these proposed departure changes at the commencement of the consultation period. As a result we have extended the consultation period, which will now conclude at close of business Wednesday 22 November 2023.