Each year we manage domestic and international air traffic operations for over 140 million passengers on more than four million aircraft movements in a region covering 11 per cent of the world’s surface. The following video shows what 24 hours of operations looks like:

Controlled and uncontrolled airspace

Airspace is designated as either:

• Controlled airspace which is actively managed by air traffic controllers and is broken up into a number of different classes or classifications. To enter controlled airspace, an aircraft must first gain a clearance from air traffic control.
• Uncontrolled airspace which requires no clearance (or supervision by air traffic control) to operate. The large majority of light aircraft and helicopters operate outside or underneath controlled airspace (for example, aircraft that operate at low levels over Sydney Harbour).

Terminal Airspace

Terminal airspace is the controlled airspace surrounding a major airport, generally within a 30–50 nautical miles (55–90 kilometres) radius. In the case of some major airports, this airspace extends from ground level up to 18,000 feet (approximately 6,000 metres).

As the distance from the airport increases, the lower boundary of this airspace rises in steps, enabling other airspace users (such as gliders and balloons) to operate outside terminal airspace without requiring an air traffic clearance.

Restricted Airspace & No fly zones

In restricted airspace, aircraft movements are restricted in accordance with certain specified permissions. Examples of restricted airspace include airspace around military installations and high density flying operations at an air show or other large public event.

Restricted airspace may be imposed by police for safety or security reasons in the vicinity of bushfires or major crime scenes. Decisions on restricted airspace are made by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

No-fly zones are similar to restricted airspace but are imposed and enforced by the military (usually the Royal Australian Air Force). No-fly zones will often be established around military exercises, heads of government meetings and major events such as the Olympic or Commonwealth Games. Airservices has no authority or control over no-fly zones.

Find out more

Read more about our operations in our Guide to our operations booklet.