Transport Minister Catherine King's ministerial direction for Western Sydney Airport sparks concerns about safe 24/7 operation

Sky News AU

a day ago

The Albanese government's directive to prioritise noise abatement in Labor electorates surrounding Western Sydney International Airport has triggered warnings from aviation experts.
Transport Minister Catherine King has unveiled flight paths for the new airport, declaring the measures a 'crucial step' for managing concerns over aircraft noise.
The new plan includes a ministerial direction for Airservices Australia to make 'Reciprocal Runway Operations' (RRO) the default between 11pm and 5.30am.
RRO requires aircraft to take off and land facing the same direction—towards the southwest—but using opposite ends of the single runway.
'I'll be issuing a ministerial direction to Air Services Australia… to make reciprocal runway operations the default operating mode at night,' Ms King said.
She claimed the directive was to 'achieve the overall lowest possible impact on surrounding communities'.
The directive comes as part of an effort to shield residents from jet noise in Western Sydney, where Labor holds 11 of 14 seats.
However, aviation expert Captain Byron Bailey condemned the directive as 'almost farcical' and potentially dangerous, warning some carriers may reject the arrangement outright.
'Runway 23 will be the preferred runway due to the predominant wind direction,' Captain Bailey told Sky News.
'Nowhere in the world is (RRO) done like this. The resulting traffic confliction and holding would be ridiculous—possibly difficult for ATC to manage,' he said.
Mr Bailey warned that if RRO procedures are perceived as burdensome or unsafe, international carriers may not be able to operate.
'Aircraft have an operational limitation of 10 knots downwind, so I can expect captains will be demanding an into-wind landing and ATC cannot refuse. This RRO is a joke for a 24/7 major single-runway airport.'
The veteran pilot also raised safety concerns for large aircraft, such as the Airbus A380, noting that downwind take-offs are hazardous and would likely be refused by pilots.
'Take-offs for heavy B777/A380 would necessitate an into-wind take-off. A downwind take-off by 300-tonne-plus aircraft imposes additional hazard which pilots will refuse.'
Aviation consultant and CEO of Strategic Air, Tony Stanton, however, offered a more measured assessment, telling Sky News that RRO could be used in most low-traffic overnight periods.
'The minister's statement rightly includes an important consideration—'when safe to do so',' Mr Stanton told Sky News.
'Given the Reciprocal Runway Operations mode is to be prioritised between 11pm and 5.30am, traffic density would typically be favourable…
'I expect the RRO mode to be used routinely and on most nights of the year.'
Mr Stanton dismissed suggestions the directive amounts to a de facto curfew, stressing that Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs) used globally already balance safety, noise mitigation and efficiency.
'Following a published STAR into Western Sydney International Airport is no different to flying into Sydney or Brisbane," he said.
'Curfews at international airports are generally uncommon and a last resort. All signs point to a commitment to operating this airport without a curfew—Sydney certainly needs it.'