Changes to some Sydney Airport curfew exemptions commence this Saturday

From 1 November 2026, some changes will take effect to the types of aircraft that can operate at Sydney Airport during the overnight curfew.

What is changing?

From 1 November, existing curfew exemptions at Sydney Airport for some freight aircraft, propeller-driven aircraft and business jets will no longer apply.

This change is part of the existing legislative arrangements for Sydney Airport and takes effect now that WSI is open.

What is staying the same?

Sydney Airport’s curfew hours are not changing. Emergency aircraft movements will continue to be permitted during the curfew, and the Minister will continue to have the ability to approve aircraft movements in exceptional circumstances.

The Australian Government has formally confirmed 1 November 2026 as the relevant date through the Sydney Airport Curfew (Availability of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport for Night Aircraft Movements) Instrument 2026.

You can read the Instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation and find more information in the Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995.

Want to know more?

Airport curfews and operating hours are set by the Australian Government and are not determined by Airservices Australia. Airservices’ role is to manage air traffic and provide air navigation services within these arrangements.

If you have questions or feedback about the changes to Sydney Airport’s curfew arrangements, please contact the Department of Infrastructure at curfews@infrastructure.gov.au.