Airport Information

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport

The Western Sydney International Airport is under construction and scheduled to commence operation in 2026. The airport is located 44 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD on Badgerys Creek Road, Badgerys Creek in Western Sydney. The airport has been named after Nancy-Bird Walton, a female aviation pioneer in Australia who trained female pilots in World War II.

The Australian Government is investing up to $5.3 billion in equity to deliver the airport through the Commonwealth company, “Western Sydney Airport”. The project will be delivered in stages as demand grows.

The airport will open initially with a single runway and facilities to cater for up to 5 million international and domestic passengers. By 2031 a second runway will be added and it is expected that passenger numbers will grow to around 10 million passengers. By around 2063, it is expected that around 82 million passengers will pass through the terminals annually.

The link below provides additional information and resources from the official website for the Western Sydney Airport.

https://www.westernsydneyairport.gov.au/

Current Status

A draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA) airspace and flight path design is now on public exhibition. The draft EIS consists of the development and implementation of proposed flight paths and a new controlled airspace volume for single runway operations at WSIA which are due to commence in 2026. The project also includes the associated air traffic control and noise abatement procedures for eventual use by civil, commercial passenger and freight aircraft. The project does not include any physical infrastructure.

The draft EIS provides the opportunity for the community and industry to make comment on the preliminary airspace design before a final airspace and flight path design is determined. The draft EIS is on public exhibition until 31 January 2024 and can be accessed via the following link:

https://www.wsiflightpaths.gov.au/digital-draft-eis/

People can have their say on the draft EIS by making a submission during this period.

Council is continuing its campaign for a fair and equitable way forward for residents affected by aircraft noise restrictions imposed under the SEPP (Western Sydney Aerotropolis). In response to letters from the Mayor, the following correspondence has been received from the State Government Minister.  Importantly, the Minister advises that the Federal Government will be developing a noise insulation and property acquisition policy for landowners whose homes will be affected by aircraft overflight noise. The letter states that this policy will identify assistance for noise mitigation measures, such as sound proofing homes, dependent upon the level of impact. Given the potential impacts on affected Fairfield residents, Council will be seeking further clarification from the Government in relation to potential property acquisition requirements.  Should you also wish to follow up on this matter directly, below are the contact details of the responsible Federal Minister, The Hon Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and The Hon. Anthony Roberts, MP.

Note: the letter states that the planning restrictions are to allow for 24/7 operations at the future airport. Council has had an acoustic study prepared that identifies that the ANEC contours used by the State Government are modelled on a 24/7 airport. This means that they cover a larger area than for other airports with restrictions on operating hours. Under Federal and State airport guidelines the 20-25 noise contours that apply to Horsley Park and Cecil Park are suitable for residential development subject to it being constructed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard. You can view further information under the blue tab (below) ‘Rules for knockdown and rebuilds for properties in Horsley Park affected by aircraft noise’.

 

 

 

Sydney Metro Bankstown Airport 

Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown (Bankstown Airport) is an airport and business park located in the Canterbury-Bankstown area, approximately 26 km from the Sydney Central Business District (CBD) and 17 km west of Sydney Airport. It is situated on 313 ha (770 acres) of land and has three parallel runways, several apron areas, a small passenger terminal and a business park, home to more than 180 businesses ranging from multinational aviation companies to freight operators, and manufacturers. The airport is home to numerous fixed-wing and helicopter flying schools and also caters to charter and private business flights, freight, aeromedical services, recreational flights, aircraft maintenance businesses, private aircraft and emergency services. Bankstown Airport operates 24 hours a day, with limitations placed on night circuit training.

Fairfield Local Government Area is under the approach and departure flight paths of the Bankstown Airport with Cabramatta Town Centre being 5km to the north west from the main runway, and the Lansvale peninsula approximately 1.5km from the main runway.

Air Services Australia provides details on aircraft in your neighbourhood such as flight paths, number of aircraft movements, altitude of aircraft and time of aircraft movements on their website. The website also provides other detailed information as well as information on aircraft that may have disturbed you and ways to make enquiries or complaints. Click here to go to the Air Services Australia website.

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