Pilots operating in the Sydney basin are being urged to prepare now for significant airspace changes taking effect on 9 July 2026, ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport later this year.
From that date, Sydney's airspace will be redesigned to accommodate four neighbouring control zones for the first time: Western Sydney International Airport (Class C, new), Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (Class C, revised), Bankstown Airport (Class D, revised) and Camden Airport (Class D).
Airservices Australia will introduce new controlled airspace and update procedures and VFR routes across the region. Key changes affecting general aviation pilots include coded clearances at Bankstown Airport, a requirement to carry a transponder in new Class D airspace, and updated VFR routes throughout the basin.
Western Sydney International Airport will have a control zone from the surface to 1,500 feet, with a step-structured design of controlled airspace from 1,500 feet to 18,000 feet, and will feature Australia's first Digital Aerodrome Service.
The implementation date was adjusted from the original 11 June 2026 to 9 July 2026 to allow additional preparation time for industry.
CASA is encouraging pilots to review the updated Sydney Visual Terminal Chart, En Route Supplement Australia and relevant AIP publications ahead of the change. Industry engagement sessions are running through June 2026, with details available at engage.airservicesaustralia.com/wsi-industry.
Further information on the changes, including equipment requirements and new procedures, is available at casa.gov.au/sydney-airspace-changes.