Australian airspace reviews

Through the Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR) we review Australian-administered airspace. This ensures:

• aircraft operations are safe
• airspace architecture is fit-for-purpose.

When we conduct a review we consider:

• the best interests of Australia
• the current and future needs of the Australian aviation industry
• international best practice airspace systems adapted to benefit Australia’s aviation environment
• advances in technology wherever practicable.

When we conduct a review

Various factors can trigger a review. This may include:

• an airspace change proposal
• an aeronautical study
• when reaching certain airspace criteria thresholds.

The Australian Airspace Policy Statement 2021 describes these thresholds.

Airspace classes

Different rules apply to Australian airspace classes A, C, D, E and G. This includes information on the:

• visual flight rules
• special visual flight rules
• instrument flight rules.

To understand airspace class rules, see

• Australian airspace structure

Search for airspace reviews

We have completed the following aeronautical studies. These incorporate industry feedback and OAR recommendations.

Contact us to request a copy of an archived report.