How airspace is administered

We administer how Australian airspace is organised and classified. We define, review and update airspace as needed.

Airspace administration includes:

  • setting and adjusting classes of airspace (A to G)
  • defining air routes (by co-ordinates)
  • establishing prohibited, restricted and danger areas
  • setting the rules and conditions for how pilots and operators use different airspace.

Each type of airspace has defined rules and boundaries. These arrangements may change over time in response to:

  • safety needs
  • operational demand
  • new aviation activity.

Some types of airspace, such as restricted and danger areas, have special conditions that may affect how and where you can fly.

While we administer and regulate the airspace, Airservices Australia manages the airspace through air traffic control and aviation navigation services.

The rules that guide airspace management

We administer Australian airspace under:

Together, these set the rules and objectives for how we organise and update Australian-administered airspace.

Reviewing and updating airspace

We review Australian-administered airspace to ensure it remains suitable for current and future aviation activity.

Find out how we review and update airspace over time.

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