Aircraft usually take-off and land into the wind for safety and performance reasons. As the wind direction changes the runway in operation and the flight paths being used may also change.

This means that the Sunshine Coasts seasonal wind patterns affect usage of the different runway directions.

When there are easterly or southerly winds, aircraft approach the runway from an inland direction and depart towards the ocean.

When the wind is from a westerly or northerly direction, the runway is used in the opposite direction.

If the wind is light or calm the direction the runway is used is determined by other factors such as Noise Abatement Procedures (NAP) or air traffic management requirements.

As we gather more data on operations we will update this section with more information.

Learn more about how the runway is named and oriented on our Sunshine Coast Airport Runway page.