October 2023

Western Sydney International

(Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
Changes required to flight paths for other airports

The new Western Sydney International (Nancy‑Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is set to open for
domestic and international travellers, and freight by late 2026.
The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the preliminary flight paths for WSI is now on
public exhibition. The draft EIS examines the impact of the proposed flight paths on the environment
and the community. The public is invited to make submissions on the draft EIS by visiting
wsiflightpaths.gov.au/make-a-submission.

Why are other flight paths changing?

Have your say
The introduction of new flight paths for WSI means some flight paths for
other airports in the Sydney region need to be altered. These changes You can have your say on the
are required to integrate WSI into the already busy and complex airspace preliminary flight paths and draft EIS
arrangements in the Sydney area, in order to maintain the safety of all by making a submission.
aircraft operations. These changes have been minimised where possible.
Submissions can be provided:
The flight path changes are called ‘facilitated changes’ in the draft EIS, • Online at wsiflightpaths.gov.au
as they are required to facilitate the introduction of WSI into Sydney’s
• By email to eis.submissions@
airspace. The changes will alter some existing flight paths, and see the
infrastructure.gov.au
introduction of some new traffic management procedures, at Sydney
(Kingsford Smith) Airport, Bankstown Airport, Camden Airport and the • By mail to Attn: WSI Flight Paths
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in Richmond. Changes will also be Team, GPO Box 594, CANBERRA
made to the lower-level airspace that smaller general aviation aircraft use. ACT 2601

Find out more

Visit the Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool to view the preliminary flight paths in more detail at wsiflightpaths.gov.au

View the draft EIS and project information on our Online Community Portal: wsiflightpaths.gov.au

Email us your questions at wsiflightpaths@infrastructure.gov.au

Call us on 1800 038 160

Attend our Community Information and Feedback Sessions to find out more
and speak to a member of our team
You can register to attend via wsiflightpaths.gov.au/visit-us Scan this QR code to access
1 our Online Community Portal.
Sydney region airspace
The existing airspace in the Sydney region is the most complex and busiest in Australia and is one of the main factors
influencing the design of the new flight paths for WSI. In 2019 there were more than 700,000 annual air traffic movements
in the Sydney region airspace. The number and location of these aircraft movements play a big part in determining where
aircraft arriving to and from WSI will be able to travel. Figure 1 illustrates this complexity and shows actual arrival and
departure flight tracks for aircraft using all airports in the Sydney region, over a typical one week period in 2019.

Figure 1 Sydney Basin airspace with one week of flight track movement activity in 2019
Image credit: WSI Airspace and flight path design draft EIS – Part A

What changes are being made?

Changes are being made to some of the arrival and departure flight paths that service the following airports:
• Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport • Camden Airport
• Bankstown Airport • RAAF Base Richmond

These include:
• changes to the localities that aircraft will fly over
• changes to the spread of operations on some flight paths which, in some cases, will result in a change to the frequency
of aircraft operations over particular areas
• changes to how aircraft on some flight paths will need to operate, which will result in some aircraft overflying certain
locations at a different altitude than current operations
• changes to the airspace used for light aircraft flying training, which may result in a change in the locations of aircraft
conducting these activities.

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Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport – key flight path changes
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport is located 45 km to the east of WSI.
To safely introduce new flight paths at WSI, a small number of Sydney Airport’s existing flight paths need to be altered
to ensure air safety requirements, and to ensure that separation standards between aircraft using both airports, can
be maintained.
The key proposed changes to Sydney Airport flight paths are described in this brochure. Further information on these
changes, and other smaller proposed changes to Sydney Airport flight procedures are included in Chapters 8 and 21 of
the draft EIS, which can be viewed online at wsiflightpaths.gov.au.

Visit the Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool via wsiflightpaths.gov.au to explore these flight path changes in more
detail and see modelled noise impacts.

Runway 07/25

Runway 16R/34L Runway 16L/34R

Photo credit: Sydney Airport

Figure 2 Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport

What about Sydney Airport’s noise sharing arrangements?

Avoiding changes to Sydney Airport’s existing noise sharing arrangements is one of the 12 Airspace Design Principles, set
out in the Airport Plan for WSI, that have been used to guide the development of WSI’s preliminary flight paths.
While some relatively minor changes are being made to individual flight paths to maintain the safety of aircraft operations,
these changes will not affect the existing noise sharing arrangements for Sydney Airport. These are sometimes referred
to as the Long Term Operating Plan (LTOP). The LTOP sets how the different runway modes at Sydney Airport are used
to share noise impacts, and all runway modes will continue to be available following the opening of WSI. There are no
changes to how these runway modes are selected and operated.
Further information on Sydney Airport’s LTOP can be found at sacf.infrastructure.gov.au/ltop.

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Changes to Sydney Airport Runway 34L departures

Runway 16R/34L is the longest of the two

north-south runways. Runway 34L, where Runway
Departures to the west Departures to the north Departures to the east
aircraft take-off towards the north, is typically 34L
in use approximately 45% of the year.
Current From Sydney Airport to Katoomba via From Sydney Airport to From Sydney Airport to near
Runway 34L departure flight paths for aircraft track Granville and Eastern Creek. Richmond via Petersham, Narrabeen via Petersham and
heading to the west, north-west and east Olympic Park and Bella Vista. Olympic Park, before turning
need to be altered to maintain separation, both From Sydney Airport to the south
to the east/north-east to track
laterally and vertically, with WSI flight paths. 1-2 aircraft per day use the
towards the coast. Aircraft on
Departures from Runway 34R do not need to southbound track, turning left at
this route fly a wide variety of
Granville to fly over Liverpool.
be changed. tracks over the Northern Beaches
area, based on the instructions
given by air traffic control (known
as radar vectoring).

Proposed Aircraft will continue to fly the same Aircraft will continue to fly Aircraft will initially track further
track westbound track to the west (towards the same north-west track to to the west, following the current
Katoomba). To maintain separation Richmond. To maintain separation Runway 34L flight path to
with WSI flight paths, aircraft will with WSI flight paths, aircraft Katoomba, over Burwood and
be more concentrated on the track will be more concentrated on the Parramatta, before turning to the
centreline, rather than being spread out. track centreline, rather than being east/north-east. Importantly, air
Southbound aircraft will fly further west spread out. traffic control will continue to use
before turning left near Glenbrook. radar vectoring over the Northern
Beaches area whenever possible.

Usage Based on historical data, approximately Approximately 47 aircraft Approximately 30 aircraft

80 aircraft movements to the west are movements to the north are movements to the east are
expected on a representative busy expected on a representative expected on a representative
weekday, whenever Runway 34L is busy weekday, whenever Runway busy weekday, whenever
being used. 1-2 aircraft per day will 34L is being used. Runway 34L is being used.
continue to use revised southern track.

Typical Typical aircraft altitudes will be similar Typical aircraft altitudes will be Aircraft will be between 6,000 ft
altitudes to current operations, with some new similar to current operations, with to 11,000 ft near Kellyville and
fixed requirements. Aircraft will be some new fixed requirements. above 10,000 ft near Dural.
above 5,000 ft at Parramatta, and Aircraft will be between 6,000 ft
above 10,000 ft at Lapstone. to 11,000 ft near The Ponds.
Figure 3 Sydney Airport Runway 34L

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Figure 4 Sydney Airport Runway 34L departure flight paths

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Changes to Sydney Airport Runway 25 departures

Runway 07/25 is the east-west runway and is

used much less that the north-south runways. Runway
Departures to the west Departures to the north-west Departures to the east
Runway 25, where aircraft take-off towards the 25
west, is typically in use for less than 4% of the
year, either due to wind conditions or for noise Current From Sydney Airport to Katoomba From Sydney Airport to Richmond From Sydney Airport to near
sharing under LTOP. track via Mortdale and Alfords Point, via Mortdale and Alfords Point, Narrabeen via Belmore and
before turning to the north-west to before turning north to fly over Lidcombe and Parramatta, before
Runway 25 jet departure flight paths for
fly over Casula and the WSI site at Liverpool, Eastern Creek and turning to the north-east to fly to
aircraft heading to the west (via Katoomba), Badgerys Creek. Marsden Park. Pymble. Aircraft on this route are
north-west (via Richmond) and east (via the spread over a wide area, based on
Northern Beaches) need to be altered to maintain the instructions given by air traffic
separation, both laterally and vertically, with control (known as radar vectoring).
WSI flight paths. Jet departures from Runway 25
towards the south remain clear of any WSI flight
paths and do not need to be changed. Proposed Aircraft will turn right at 1,500 ft to Aircraft will turn right at 1,500 ft to Aircraft will turn right at 1,500 ft to
track climb over Belmore and Lidcombe, climb over Belmore and Lidcombe, climb over Belmore and Lidcombe,
Runway 25 departure flight paths are shown following the path currently used following the path currently used following the path currently
in Figure 6. for aircraft departing to the East. for aircraft departing to the East. used for aircraft departing to the
At Granville, aircraft will then turn Aircraft will continue tracking East. Aircraft will continue past
West to align with an existing flight towards Parramatta, Parklea and Parramatta, before turning east
path to fly over Eastern Creek, Tallawong. At Tallawong aircraft towards the coast when clear
St Clair and South Penrith before will turn slightly left to align with an of WSI aircraft. Importantly, air
reaching Katoomba. existing flight path to track directly traffic control will continue to use
towards Richmond. radar vectoring over the Northern
Beaches area whenever possible.

Usage Approximately 47 aircraft Approximately 25 aircraft Approximately 96 aircraft

movements to the west are movements to the north are movements to the east are
expected on a representative busy expected on a representative busy expected on a representative busy
weekday, whenever Runway 25 is weekday, whenever Runway 25 is weekday, whenever Runway 25 is
being used (which is approximately being used (which is approximately being used (which is approximately
4% of the time). 4% of the time). 4% of the time).

Typical Aircraft will turn right after Aircraft will turn right after Aircraft will turn right after
altitudes take-off when they reach an take-off when they reach an take-off when they reach an
altitude of 1,500 ft. Aircraft will be altitude of 1,500 ft. Aircraft will altitude of 1,500 ft. Aircraft will be
above 5,000 ft at Greystanes, and be between 6,000 ft to 11,000 ft between 6,000-11,000 ft when
above 10,000 ft at Lapstone. near The Ponds. they turn near Kellyville.

Figure 5 – Sydney Airport Runway 25

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Figure 6 – Sydney Airport Runway 25 departure flight paths
Note: Existing (unchanged) Runway 25 southern departures are not depicted.

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Bankstown Airport – key flight path changes
Bankstown Airport handles a range of small single or twin-engined piston aircraft, some larger turbo-prop or jet aircraft,
and helicopters. Around 145 flights per day operate under instrument flight conditions – that is, in all weather conditions,
under the direction of air traffic control.
To safely introduce new flight paths at WSI, a small number of Bankstown Airport’s existing instrument flight paths need to
be altered to ensure air safety requirements, and to ensure that separation standards between aircraft using both airports,
can be maintained.
The way in which the smaller general aviation aircraft operate around Bankstown will also change, this is described on
the next page. Further information on these changes are included in Chapters 8 and 21 of the draft EIS, which can be
viewed online at wsiflightpaths.gov.au.

Bankstown instrument arrivals

and departures

Current Aircraft generally

track fly varied tracks on
instrument arrival
and departure, at
the direction of air
traffic control.

Proposed Instrument arrival

track and departure tracks
will be formalised
into standard flight
path procedures.
This means that
some areas will
experience more
aircraft overflights.
Figure 7 Bankstown Airport departure flight paths
Image credit: WSI Airspace and flight path design draft EIS – Chapter 21 Usage Approximately 145
instrument arrival
and departures
are expected on a
representative busy
weekday (38 larger
turbo-prop or jet
aircraft, with the
remainder being
training or general
aviation aircraft).

Typical Instrument arrivals

altitudes and departures from
Bankstown would
typically operate
at lower altitudes,
between 1,500
and 3,000 ft over
Western Sydney.

Figure 8 Bankstown Airport arrival flight paths

Image credit: WSI Airspace and flight path design draft EIS – Chapter 21

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Other airport and airspace changes
RAAF Base Richmond
RAAF Base Richmond is an Australian Defence Force facility located 34 km north of WSI. Aircraft operate between
Richmond and many Australian military bases and also civil domestic and international locations. The numbers of military
aircraft operating into and out of Richmond varies depending on Defence operational needs, but on average is 20-30
each weekday.
Some Richmond arrival and approach procedures will need to be altered to ensure future separation with aircraft using
WSI. Further information on these changes are included in Chapters 8 and 21 of the draft EIS, which can be viewed online
at wsiflightpaths.gov.au.
Low-level military aircraft operations within 20 kilometres of Richmond will continue unchanged. There will also
be no change to priority firefighting and water bombing operations operated by NSW Rural Fire Service aircraft
based at Richmond.

Camden Airport
On a typical busy day in 2019, about 120 aircraft operated at Camden. 93% of these operated under visual flight rules,
while the remainder operated under instrument flight procedures.
Instrument arrival tracks will be formalised into standard flight path procedures for aircraft approaching Camden Airport
from the west, north and east. This means that some areas will experience more aircraft overflights. These arrival
procedures would generally mirror the new Bankstown arrival procedures. Further information on these changes are
included in Chapters 8 and 21 of the draft EIS, which can be viewed online at wsiflightpaths.gov.au.
The way in which the smaller general aviation aircraft operate around Camden will also change, and this is described in
the section below.

Visual flight rule aircraft changes

Many types of aircraft fly in uncontrolled airspace in the Sydney area, including helicopters, parachute operations,
emergency services, flying training and private general aviation. These aircraft are generally smaller, single or twin-engine
propeller aircraft operating in visual conditions under the Visual Flight Rules. This means they will generally only operate in
good weather conditions, under the criteria established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The introduction of WSI and its associated controlled airspace will impact the ability of these types of aircraft to operate
in the same way they do today. For example, the designated flying training areas currently located above the WSI site at
Badgerys Creek will not be available when operations at WSI commence.
The introduction of additional controlled airspace to support WSI will also decrease the airspace available for general
aviation operations. Some lower level entry and exit routes for general aviation aircraft using Bankstown and Camden
Airports will need to be altered to accommodate the WSI airspace.
The draft EIS includes further information on the proposed changes that will be needed to support continued general
aviation and visual flying operations in the Sydney area airspace, please see Chapters 8 and 21 of the draft EIS.

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How have the impacts of these changes been assessed?
The potential noise, visual and emission impacts of the changes have been assessed in the draft EIS. The general approach
to the assessment is outlined in Figure 9. Changes that are considered complex have been subject to a quantitative
assessment of the before and after noise impacts. The modelled noise impacts can also be viewed in the Aircraft Overflight
Noise Tool. Other less complex changes, such as aircraft already at high altitudes, have been subject to a qualitative
assessment process so as to give an indication of the noise where it is expected to be of low or negligible impact

Figure 9 Approach to the facilitated changes assessment

Image credit: WSI Airspace and flight path design draft EIS – Chapter 21

How can I learn more about the changes?

Visit the WSI Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool to view the Sydney and Bankstown Airport flight path changes in more
detail at wsiflightpaths.gov.au.
Information on all the flight path and airspace changes is contained in the draft EIS and the associated technical papers,
which can be viewed online at wsiflightpaths.gov.au/digital-draft-eis
You can attend a Community Information and Feedback Session to find out more and speak to a member of our team.
Information sessions are being held in locations across Sydney that are predicted to be impacted by the preliminary WSI
flight paths and other flight path and airspace changes. Information session details are at wsiflightpaths.gov.au/visit-us.

When will these changes be made?

Changes to airspace arrangements for other Sydney airports will be made in the months before aviation operations at WSI
commence in order to safely manage the introduction of the new airspace and flight paths.

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Next steps

Use the Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool at wsiflightpaths.gov.au to view preliminary WSI flight paths and
how they are likely to affect specific addresses or places of interest.

Go to the WSI airspace and flight path design Online Community Portal at wsiflightpaths.gov.au to view
the draft EIS and for more information on the draft EIS process, flight path design process, videos and details
of upcoming community engagement events.

View the draft noise insulation and property acquisition policy and draft EIS on preliminary flight paths on
the Online Community Portal at wsiflightpaths.gov.au, and make a formal submission.

Attend our Community Information and Feedback Sessions to find out more and speak to a member of the
team. Visit the Online Community Portal at wsiflightpaths.gov.au to view upcoming community information
events near you. You can also call 1800 038 160 for details of events.

Have your say

If you would like to make a formal submission on the preliminary flight paths and the draft EIS, you can do so via:
• The Online Community Portal at wsiflightpaths.gov.au
• Email eis.submissions@infrastructure.gov.au
• Mail Attn: WSI Flight Paths Team, GPO Box 594, CANBERRA ACT 2601.
Your feedback will be considered in finalising the EIS.
The final EIS must take account of any comments received during the exhibition period and contain a
summary of comments and how comments have been addressed under the Environment Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).
The draft EIS is available on the Online Community Portal via wsiflightpaths.gov.au.
If you would like to stay informed about the WSI flight paths and receive notifications about the project,
you can sign up for email updates by scanning the QR code.

Find out more

Visit the Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool to view the preliminary flight paths in more detail at wsiflightpaths.gov.au

View the draft EIS and project information on our Online Community Portal: wsiflightpaths.gov.au

Email us your questions at wsiflightpaths@infrastructure.gov.au

Call us on 1800 038 160

Attend our Community Information and Feedback Sessions to find out more and speak to a member
of our team
You can register to attend via wsiflightpaths.gov.au/visit-us

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Information in your language

Translating and Interpreting Service View this brochure in languages other than English
(TIS National)
Please scan this QR code to view information in
If you require the services of an interpreter, please contact languages other than English.
the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and
ask them to call the WSI Flight Paths team on
1800 038 160.

wsiflightpaths.gov.au

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