Non-scheduled and other flight permissions

There are numerous permission types available for foreign operators if they want to operate a foreign registered aircraft into, out of, or within Australian territory.

Non-scheduled and other flight permissions

A non-scheduled flight is a commercial air transport flight into, out of, or within Australian territory that is not under the authority of an international airline licence.

To apply, complete Form 94 Application for non-scheduled flight permission and email it to us together with all the required supporting documents. Allow 5 working days from when we receive your complete and correct application. We will send you an estimated fee and begin assessing your application once this is paid. Please see our service standards and fees for more details.

If your non-scheduled flight includes some flights within Australia, you will also need to apply for a Section 27(A) permission.

Operators wishing to conduct more than 8 non-scheduled flights in one 12 month period may be required by us to obtain a Foreign Aircraft Air Operator’s Certificate.

Section 27(A) permissions

Under Section 27(A) of the Civil Aviation Act (1988), we can provide permission to operate a foreign registered aircraft on a commercial air transport operation within Australian territory.

The use of Section 27(A) permission is limited by Section 27(A)(3) to no more than 7 days.

To apply, complete Form 88 Section 27A permission request and email it to us together with all the required supporting documents. Allow 5 working days from when we receive your complete and correct application. We will send you an estimated fee and begin assessing your application once this is paid. Please see our service standards and fees for more details.

Special Flight Authorisation (SFA)

Foreign registered aircraft who wish to operate into, out of, or within Australian territory without a standard certificate of airworthiness, or under a special flight permits (however called) from their own National Aviation Authority will need a special flight authorisation.

To apply, complete Application Special Flight Authorisation and email it to us together with all the required supporting document. We will send you an estimated fee and begin assessing your application once this is paid. Please see our service standards and fees for more details.

Operator has nationality of a contracting state

If a foreign registered aircraft has the nationality of a contracting state and conducts a commercial air transport operation into Australian territory, they must not take on or discharge passengers, cargo or mail for reward without CASA’s permission.

Operator does not have nationality of a contracting state

If a foreign operator does not have the nationality of a contracting state, they must not conduct a commercial air transport operation over or into Australian territory without prior permission from CASA

National Aviation Authority approval

We won't consider a proposed operation unless the operator has approval from their own state authority.

Get fitted to protect against 5G

Operators who fly prescribed instrument approach procedures within Australia must upgrade their radio altimeter (radalt) equipment before 31 March 2026.

This includes all aircraft – both Australian and foreign-registered. Find out more about 5G and aviation safety.