Flight paths

Visit the new WSI airspace and flight path design Online Community Portal (www.WSIflightpaths.gov.au) to view the preliminary flight paths or the Environmental Impact Statement.

The process for developing the flight paths for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is well underway and on track for the airport’s scheduled opening in 2026.

Designing flight paths for a new airport is a large, complex and technical task. The design of the new flight paths for WSI must balance competing needs from the community, environment, industry and users of the broader Greater Sydney airspace, while maintaining safety as the priority.

The preliminary flight paths for WSI has been assessed for their environmental impact under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the preliminary flight paths was on public exhibition from 24 October 2023 to 31 January 2024. The preliminary flight paths have been designed and tested by an Expert Steering Group established by the Australian Government, which consists of technical experts and government agencies including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Airservices Australia. For more information about the role, structure and governance of the Expert Steering Group, read the Terms of Reference PDF: 386 KB.

The Forum On Western Sydney Airport (FOWSA) links the community and stakeholders with the Australian Government and the Western Sydney Airport Co Limited (WSA Co). The expert team developing the flight paths will regularly brief FOWSA about the project. FOWSA will ensure community and stakeholder views are heard in the development of flight paths. The Chair of FOWSA also attends Expert Steering Group meetings as an ex-officio member.

Find out more information and visit the WSI airspace and flight path design Online Community Portal www.wsiflightpaths.gov.au.

The Online Community Portal  has been updated, with the preliminary flight paths and EIS. It also includes:

  • The Overflight Aircraft Noise Tool, an online interactive map that will display the preliminary flight paths and their noise impacts. The community will be able to enter a street address and receive information about that address’ potential impacts from flight paths.
  • The EIS in a digital format.
  • Educational and information resources have been updated to provide easy to understand information on the flight path planning process.