Canberra Airport has two runways; the main runway 17/35 (3.28 km long) is orientated north-south and is used for the majority of aircraft traffic. The shorter runway 12/30 (1.67km) is orientated east-west and is used mainly for propeller aircraft.

Each runway is referred to differently according to in which direction it is being used. For example the main runway is known as Runway 35 when used in a northerly direction and Runway 17 when used in a southerly direction. Runway numbering reflects the runways’ orientation and correlates with degrees on a compass. Runway 35 is 350 degrees.

An Instrument Landing System operates for aircraft landing on Runway 35, and Smart Tracking procedures are available for aircraft landing on Runways 35 and 17.

The following video explains how runways are named and used.

Runway selection and seasonal winds

Runway selection is based on wind direction, weather conditions, traffic volume and other factors. Aircraft primarily take-off and land into the wind for safety and performance reasons. Therefore, as the wind direction changes the runway in operation may also change depending on the strength of the wind.

This means that Canberra’s seasonal wind patterns affect usage of the different runway directions. The prevailing winds favour Runway 35 which is used more than 70 per cent of the time. Runway 17 tends to be used more frequently in the warmer months than at other times, but this does vary.

Noise abatement procedures

A noise abatement area applies to most residential areas of Canberra and Queanbeyan. Aircraft will normally be routed to avoid the noise abatement area, which covers most of Gungahlin, North Canberra, Belconnen, South Canberra, Woden, Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan. Where it is not practical for aircraft to remain clear of those areas, during overflight jet aircraft must not fly below 7 000 feet above ground level and large propeller aircraft not below 5 000 feet. Smaller propeller aircraft are permitted. A number of exceptions apply to the noise abatement areas such as aircraft emergencies, medical priority flights, avoidance of hazardous weather, missed approaches and operational requirements.

Canberra Airport has a number of flight paths from its runway.

To learn more about the runway at Canberra Airport, take a look at our Canberra Airport Runway page.

The illustration below shows how jet and non-jet (turbo-prop) aircraft typically operate at Canberra Airport on the published instrument arrival and departure flight paths.

The animation is indicative only and provided for information purposes, on occasions flights may leave these general areas from time-to-time.

Flight paths are not precise, defined paths like runways, but more like corridors that are often several kilometres wide.

Arrivals

Arriving aircraft will line up with the runway centreline and fly straight in on the runway heading. Aircraft will approach Canberra from all directions before they join the final approach path. Jet aircraft will join the final approach between 15 and 25 kilometres from Canberra Airport and fly towards the runway in a straight line. Jet aircraft will generally be at altitudes from 3000 to 4000 feet when they join the final approach. There is no minimum altitude for aircraft in the process of landing. Aircraft will generally descend on a glide slope of three degrees.

Departures

Departing jets will generally maintain a straight line from the runway for around 15 kilometres before turning to their heading.

The altitude of aircraft after departure will depend on factors such as the type of aircraft and its weight, how heavily laden it is with fuel and passengers, and the atmospheric conditions at the time. All these factors affect an aircraft’s climb rate. There is no regulated minimum altitude for an aircraft in the process of taking off.

Smart Tracking

A growing number of modern aircraft are now fitted with navigation systems that use satellite-assisted guidance which allow aircraft to fly with a higher degree of accuracy and more closely follow the same route as other aircraft. Airservices refers to these routes as ‘Smart Tracking’. Smart Tracking technology makes air travel safer, cleaner and more dependable. It also has the potential to improve noise outcomes for communities living close to airports.

Flight path information

You can access historical information about flight path use through WebTrak. To access this information click the “Historical” link below the text in the Quick Start Guide at the top left-hand side of the screen. Then use the tick boxes at the bottom-right of the screen to select monthly, quarterly or yearly information. Use the sliders to refine your selection to specific timeframes.