Williamtown (Newcastle Airport) Airspace and Civil Flight Path Review

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Williamtown is located near Newcastle NSW, and is also known as Newcastle Airport.

Air traffic at Williamtown is managed by the Department of Defence (Defence) and civilian aircraft movements, including scheduled flight services, operate via an agreement between Defence and Newcastle Airport.

Background

In 2015, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and RAAF conducted a Joint Aeronautical Study of Williamtown Airspace. The Study published 33 findings and recommendations aimed at improving the operation of Williamtown airspace. Access a copy of the Study here.

The Study found that a significant increase in scheduled air traffic, together with the introduction of next generation military aircraft requires a redesign of the airspace in accordance with international best practice.

Project Overview

In line with the recommendations of the Study, Airservices is working with Defence on a new airspace and flight path design for Williamtown (Newcastle Airport).

Airservices plans to implement these changes in mid 2023, following CASA approval.

Learn more about this project in our overview fact sheet here and community specific fact sheets under "Maps and region specific information".

This project may result in changes to the location of some existing civil flight paths, including the possibility of some new flight paths being introduced. Where possible we will aim to keep operations in areas of current aircraft activity, or increase over the bay operations. It is expected that some military transport operations may sometimes use these flight paths.

During 2021 and 2022, we will be undertaking comprehensive community engagement with residents on this project. This will occur in multiple phases, starting with early engagement to assist in the development of the preliminary design and continuing throughout the design and implementation phases.

The preliminary design will be available in mid 2022 for community consultation and feedback.

To learn more about our flight path design process, access our Flight Path Design Principles.

While this change is not related to Newcastle Airport expansion plans or proposed developments as outlined in 2036 Newcastle Airport Vision[1], it will contribute to the overall modernisation of aviation infrastructure and architecture for the region.