Go to top of page

Notifying CASA about fireworks displays

If you are conducting a fireworks display, you may need to notify CASA and get an approval for the display. This section outlines what you need to know about the requirements when conducting fireworks displays with regards to air safety.

If you are unsure if you need to notify CASA of your fireworks display, please contact by phone or email the CASA regional office nearest you.

Notification of fireworks displays

The conduct of certain fireworks displays are regulated under subpart 101.I of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998). CASA must be notified in relation to the operation of the fireworks display and will assess a proposed activity to determine if, and to prevent, such activity from being a hazard to air safety as per regulations 101.490, 101.495 and 101.500 of CASR 1998. In certain circumstances, CASA will issue an approval or permission to the operator to conduct the fireworks activity.

A CASA fireworks approval does not cover local permits/approvals required by the state or territory government or local council for a fireworks display. You will need to contact your relevant council or state/territory authority to determine if other approvals are required.

Who should notify CASA of a fireworks display?

Persons or organisations who wish to conduct firework activities at a place within 3 nautical miles of an aerodrome (including an airfield or helipad) or if using projectiles capable of reaching more than 400 feet above ground level are required to notify CASA at least 2 working days prior to the conduct of such activities. The notification must be provided to CASA by the operator of the display - that is, the person or organisation that places or fires off the fireworks.

Approval or permission from CASA to conduct the display is required if: 

  • any projectiles in the display are capable of reaching more than 400 feet above ground level, or
  • the display will be in the proximity of an aerodrome (including an airfield or helipad):
    • specifically a movement area or runway of an aerodrome, or
    • the approach or departure path of a runway of an aerodrome.

If you’re in doubt as to whether your firework activity falls within the above parameters, please complete Form 1117 – notification of a firework display and CASA will assess the nature of your firework activity and advise you accordingly. If an approval or permission is not required, no fee will be applied.

How to notify CASA of a fireworks display

To allow CASA to assess your notification and issue an approval or permission, we recommend that you submit your application at least ten (10) working days before the scheduled firework activity. In order to comply with the notification requirements specified in regulation 101.500 of CASR 1998, please complete Form 1117 - notification of a firework display and email it to fireworks@casa.gov.au.

If CASA determines that an approval or permission is required for the conduct of the display, a fee for this service will apply. 

CASA may also impose conditions on the operation of a fireworks display. CASA may also inform Airservices Australia regarding a fireworks display so that a notice to airmen (NOTAM) can be issued regarding the hazard to air traffic at the location and time of the display.

Operators of fireworks displays that require approval or permission from CASA will also be required to obtain an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) before the approval or permission can be given.

Conducting the fireworks display

If CASA has imposed conditions on the operation of the fireworks display, you must comply with those conditions. This may require you to take some action prior to firing off the fireworks, including contacting and following directions from air traffic control authorities.

Failure to notify CASA prior to the display, have approval or permission to conduct the display, or comply with conditions imposed on the display may result in penalties.  These penalties are specified in subpart 101.I of CASR 1998.