A ‘Reciprocal Runway Operations’ default mode, designed to minimise aircraft noise, will become the standard night-time operating procedure for Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) when it opens in 2026.
This approach has been included in a Ministerial Directive from the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, as part of preliminary airspace and flight path approvals for WSI, which were granted today.
As part of the default night mode, a Noise Abatement Procedure will be implemented. This procedure is intended to direct aircraft away from the Blue Mountains, Wallacia, and the most densely populated areas of Western Sydney during night-time hours.
In addition, the authorisation includes recommendations from the Minister for the Environment that the airport lessee company, WSA Co, establish an environmental monitoring program to assess the impacts of aircraft noise within and adjacent to the Greater Blue Mountains Area. This initiative aims to protect the natural and cultural significance of the region.
The community noise monitoring programme, to be undertaken by Airservices Australia, will soon commence consultations with local communities regarding the placement of noise monitors.
A community engagement forum will also be established to monitor and resolve aircraft noise and flight path issues during the early years of the airport’s operation. This forum will connect WSA Co, Airservices Australia, and the community, supplementing the Community Aviation Consultation Group that WSA Co will establish to address matters relevant to the airport.
Minister King noted that this builds on more than 50 community consultation sessions – both in-person and online – that have already been held across Greater Sydney. King emphasised that these sessions ensured transparency around potential impacts and enabled communities to understand and actively participate in the process.
Public feedback from these consultations, as well as the 8,400 submissions to the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), have informed the additional measures attached to this decision.
They build on measures already being delivered by the Australian Government, including a Noise Insulation Programme for residents who may be most impacted by overflight noise. Applications for this programme are expected to open in the second half of 2025.
The Department of Infrastructure released a Request for Information on 27 Feb to procure a managing contractor for the program. The appointed contractor will be responsible for assessing and providing noise treatment and building works at approved eligible properties in close proximity to the new airport.
Services will include community and landowner engagement, site and building inspections, noise assessments, preparation of Noise Treatment Plans, engagement and supervision of sub-contractors, delivery of works, assessment of completed works for building compliance, and project completion.
