Brisbane’s aviation landscape is undergoing significant changes as Airservices Australia releases preferred flightpath options to reduce the impact of aircraft noise over several Brisbane communities. The latest proposals, announced in August 2025, have reignited community calls for airport curfews and flight caps, highlighting the ongoing tension between airport growth and residential quality of life.
Read the original ABC News story: Flight path changes at Brisbane Airport spark calls for curfew and caps
Current Flight Path Proposals and Community Response
The proposed flightpath options form part of Airservices’ Noise Action Plan for Brisbane and were developed after extensive industry and community engagement. However, the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance (BFPCA) has strongly criticised the latest flight path proposals released by Airservices Australia, warning they will continue to impact affected communities.
The consultation process has revealed significant community frustration. Community engagement feedback was accepted until 17 August, with residents expressing concerns about the proposed changes’ effectiveness in addressing noise pollution.
The Push for Airport Curfews and Flight Caps
Unlike major airports in Sydney, Adelaide, and Gold Coast that operate under strict curfews, Brisbane Airport currently operates 24/7 without movement restrictions. The Brisbane Airport Curfew and Demand Management Bill 2022 introduces a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am and an hourly movement cap of 45 flights per hour at Brisbane Airport.
Community advocates argue that a 10 pm to 6 am curfew will ensure every Brisbane resident is able to get a good night’s sleep, without being exposed to unhealthy levels of flight noise. The proposed flight cap would allow Brisbane Airport to return to pre-pandemic traffic levels while preventing unsustainable growth.
SODPROPS Operations and Noise Distribution
A key component of the current noise reduction strategy involves increasing the use of Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations (SODPROPS). Changes to existing flight paths will support an increase in SODPROPS use from the current 2% of all operations to around 5% in 2025.
This SODPROPS change will see SODPROPS become the priority mode 24/7 — subject to weather and operating conditions — instead of only night-time use, resulting in more flights over Moreton Bay rather than residential areas.
Impact on Brisbane Communities
The flight path changes affect hundreds of thousands of residents. The adjustments are expected to reduce noise disturbances for 300,000 to 500,000 residents affected by previous flight patterns. However, concerns remain about the concentration of noise over specific suburbs.
More than 50,000 school children at more than 50 schools across Brisbane are learning underneath Brisbane Airport’s network of flight paths, raising concerns about the impact on children’s education and development.
Government Response and Future Directions
The federal government has taken steps to address community concerns. Transport Minister Catherine King issued a written direction requiring Airservices to implement actions within recommendation 2.1 of the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane by 30 November 2024.
These measures include implementing early turns for non-jet aircraft and runway changes for over-water departures, all designed to route more flights over water and fewer over communities.
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Looking Ahead
As Brisbane Airport continues growing as a major international gateway, balancing aviation industry needs with community concerns remains challenging. Community engagement on options to reduce the frequency and concentration of flights over communities commenced on 19 July 2025, indicating ongoing efforts to address resident concerns.
The debate over curfews, flight caps, and noise distribution will likely continue as Brisbane’s aviation sector expands. Meanwhile, professional ground transportation services adapt to serve passengers navigating these evolving airport operations.
For travellers seeking dependable airport connectivity during this period of aviation infrastructure changes, premium transfer services provide the reliability and comfort needed for successful business and leisure trips through Brisbane Airport.
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