Airspace change process

You can request a change to how Australian-administered airspace is managed by submitting an Airspace Change Proposal (ACP).

An ACP is a request to change how we manage airspace. It can:

  • suggest an airspace solution
  • describe an operational problem
  • request an amendment
  • declare an activity that could be an airspace risk.

If you would like to suggest a change, you can submit an ACP.

Who can submit an ACP

Anyone can submit an ACP including:

  • airspace users
  • aerodrome operators
  • government partners such as Defence and Airservices Australia.

Who decides on ACPs

We are responsible for approving or rejecting an ACP. Airservices Australia decides where air routes go and submits ACPs to implement route changes. We do not include noise assessments as part of flight path and route planning.

Current list of Airspace Change Proposals that we are assessing.
ACPTypeLocationDescriptionStart of activityEnd of activityACP receivedCut-off date for comment
163-25ARCHBrisbane, QldIPRO @ Brisbane Airport11/6/2026PERM29/8/20257/9/2025
057-26TRAMenindee, NSWVRA Rocket Launching18/5/2522/5/2623/3/2625/4/26
076-26TRAGold Coast, QldPacific Airshow Gold Coast 202613/8/2616/8/2610/6/262/8/26
077-26TRAMt Buller, VicRainmaker BVLOS ActivitiesTBATBA14/5/262/8/26
086-26TRAFunny Farm, QldBSA Westmar Test Facility1/8/2630/11/2630/5/262/8/26
087-26TRAThargomindah, QldBSA Outback Spaceport3/8/2630/11/2630/5/262/8/26
090-26RA/DAVariousImplementation of SUA Audit Outcomes (DISESTABLISHMENT)10/6/27PERMVariousN/A
094-26TRAPhillip Island, VicPhillip Island MotoGP 202623/10/2625/10/267/7/262/8/26
099-26TRAWhite Cliffs, NSWEA – AURC 20262/10/264/10/2613/7/262/8/26
100-26TRAWhite Cliffs, NSWEA – MissileTech Launch28/9/2630/9/2613/7/262/8/26

Read more about our consultations with industry and the public.

How to submit an ACP

  1. Download the form

    Download:

    Form 1284 Airspace change proposal

  2. Complete the form

    Follow the instructions in the form to complete it.

  3. Include supporting documents

    Include supporting documents listed on the form. This must include a safety case or risk assessment that suits the size and complexity of what you plan to do.

    It must also include evidence of stakeholder consultation and your contact details.

    You can use form 1589 as a template:

    Form 1589 Airspace Risk Assessment

    Contact us to request the template in a Microsoft Excel document format.

  4. Submit your ACP

    Email the completed form and supporting documents to us using the email address on the form.

    You can contact us for help when your completing the form.

After you submit an ACP

  1. Initial review

    We check that your ACP has enough information and supporting analysis for us to assess it. We look at:

    • safety
    • efficiency
    • equitable airspace
    • costs
    • national security
    • if the change is realistic and achievable.

    We will also check if the proposed start date allows enough time for:

    • processing
    • analysis
    • further stakeholder consultation.

    We will tell you if the ACP has enough information or if we need more.

  2. Safety and risk review

    We check if your ACP includes the required safety documents. At a minimum, this must include a risk assessment.

    For larger or more complex proposals, we ensure the risk assessment suits the size and complexity of the activity. We consider:

    • airspace users
    • traffic levels
    • weather
    • terrain
    • other relevant factors.

    We also check:

    • the current operating environment
    • key safety issues
    • the potential impact of the proposed change.

    We then review your safety case to determine whether any remaining safety risk exists for airspace users.

  3. Stakeholder consultation review

    We review evidence that you have consulted stakeholders. If needed, we may carry out further consultation or ask you to do more.

  4. Environmental considerations

    We also check for any impacts under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. However, we will always priortise aviation safety.

  5. Cost impacts

    For major changes, we include a Regulatory Impact Statement. This shows the cost impacts for all airspace users.

  6. Compliance and documentation

    We check the ACP against current legislation, policy and procedures. If we approve the ACP, we prepare the legal and aeronautical documents needed to bring it into effect.

  7. Outcome

    We will notify you if we approve your ACP or not.

ACPs under assessment

Related content

Related rules and publications

Last updated:
11 Jun 2026
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//operations-safety-and-travel/airspace/airspace-regulation/airspace-change-process
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