Proposed rule amendments to ensure aviation safety for new Sydney Basin Class D CTA airspace

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News
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Airspace in the Sydney Basin is changing on 9 July 2026 to support Western Sydney International Airport, scheduled to open later this year. Changes include:

  • introduction of new Class D controlled areas (CTA) around Bankstown aerodrome (YSBK), 
  • a revised Bankstown Class D control zone (CTR), and 
  • revised visual flight rules (VFR) routes for access to and from YSBK located within the new Class D CTA.
Aerial view of Bankstown Aerodrome.

We are seeking feedback on the clarity of proposed amendments to multiple operational rules requiring VFR aircraft fitment and use of a transponder in the new Class D CTA to enable identification by air traffic control within these Class D CTAs. These changes are necessary to ensure aviation safety in the new airspace and VFR route arrangements as published in the Visual terminal chart (VTC), En route supplement Australia (ERSA) and Aeronautical information package (AIP) effective 9 July. 

Your feedback will help ensure the information is clear and the rules will work as intended. 

Feedback can be provided at the CASA Consultation Hub until 17 June 2026. 

Previous engagement

Airservices Australia have engaged on these changes with local aviation operators and stakeholders during the development of airspace change proposals associated with the opening of Western Sydney International Airport. This has included:

These requirements were also considered as part of CASA's approval of the Airspace Change Proposal for Western Sydney International Airport. 

Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//about-us/news-media-releases-and-speeches/proposed-rule-amendments-ensure-aviation-safety-new-sydney-basin-class-d-cta-airspace
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