Melbourne Airport: Curfew Rules And Their Impact

Melbourne Airport is the second busiest airport in Australia and operates 24 hours a day without a curfew. However, between 2 am and 4 am, freight aircraft outnumber passenger flights. While Melbourne Airport does not have a curfew, other airports in Australia, such as Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Essendon Fields Airports, enforce a curfew between 11 pm and 6 am.

Melbourne Airport is curfew-free

The absence of a curfew at Melbourne Airport allows for greater flexibility in flight scheduling and can accommodate a higher volume of air traffic. This is particularly beneficial for international flights, ensuring connectivity with global destinations across different time zones. Additionally, the 24-hour operation enables the airport to serve as a hub for cargo and freight operations, contributing to the efficiency of Australia's logistics and supply chain management.

Being the second busiest airport in Australia, Melbourne Airport plays a crucial role in the country's aviation industry. Its curfew-free status allows for efficient management of the high traffic volume, ensuring smooth operations for both passengers and cargo. This freedom from time restrictions also provides airlines with the flexibility to schedule flights according to demand, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The airport's ability to operate around the clock is a significant advantage for travellers, offering convenience and accessibility. Passengers can arrive and depart at any time, accommodating various travel plans and connecting flights. This is especially beneficial for those with early morning or late-night flights, as well as for those travelling for business or facing tight schedules.

However, the lack of a curfew has also raised concerns among nearby communities regarding aircraft noise. To address this issue, Melbourne Airport has implemented strategic measures, such as the installation of a Category III landing system, which enables planes to land in low-visibility conditions, reducing the need for loud engine operations during approach. Additionally, the airport engages in ongoing dialogue with residents and provides avenues for noise complaints and feedback through Airservices' Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS).

Curfew dispensations at airports

Melbourne Airport is curfew-free and operates 24 hours a day, although between 2 am and 4 am, freight aircraft movements are more common than passenger flights. However, operators of non-federally leased airports, including private airports, may limit operations during certain hours through setting operating hours or through state legislation or local government approvals.

The Airport Curfew Manual contains information regarding curfew dispensations at Sydney, Adelaide, and Gold Coast Airports. Aircraft that may be granted a dispensation include those en route to another airport or helicopters operating at helipads away from the airport. Additionally, 'shoulder' movements may be allowed between 5 am and 6 am, and 11 pm and midnight, usually on a quota basis to account for time differences during the northern hemisphere summer, which affects the schedules of flights arriving at Australian airports.

Aircraft operations during curfew

Melbourne Airport is curfew-free and operates 24 hours a day. However, between 2 am and 4 am, freight aircraft movements are more common than passenger flights. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Melbourne Airport implemented temporary overnight closures of its north-south runway five nights a week from 1 am to 6 am. While the airport itself does not have a curfew, aircraft operations during certain hours may be limited by the airport operator or through state legislation or local government approvals.

According to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications, most scheduled flight operations are restricted during a curfew. However, there are exceptions for emergency aircraft, small jets, propeller-driven aircraft, and freight movements. Aircraft approved by the department, such as low-noise freighters, may also be allowed to operate during a curfew.

In the case of Melbourne Airport, as it does not have a curfew, these restrictions do not apply. However, the airport operator may still implement temporary restrictions or limitations on aircraft operations during specific hours for maintenance or other reasons.

It is important to note that aircraft operations during a curfew or restricted period can have consequences. At federally leased airports with legislated curfews, failing to comply with the curfew is a criminal offence that may result in significant fines. Even at non-federally leased airports, aircraft movements during restricted hours can impact community perceptions and result in noise complaints.

To manage the impact of aircraft operations on the community, organisations like Airservices provide a Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS). This service allows community members to lodge noise complaints or receive advice on aircraft movements during curfews or restricted hours. By monitoring aircraft operations and providing reports to the relevant departments, organisations like Airservices help balance the operational needs of airports and airlines with the well-being of nearby residents.

Night-time maintenance windows

Melbourne Airport is a curfew-free airport that operates 24 hours a day. However, between 2 am and 4 am, freight aircraft movements are more common than passenger flights.

Despite the absence of a curfew, Melbourne Airport has implemented strategic scheduling to minimise disruptions during critical runway maintenance. Temporary overnight closures of the north-south runway occur five nights a week from 1 am to 6 am, necessitating the utilisation of the east-west runway during these night-time maintenance windows.

During these closures, heavy aircraft types, such as A380s, are scheduled to arrive and depart outside the night-time maintenance windows to minimise operational impact. Nevertheless, communities surrounding the airport may experience increased flight activity during these temporary closures.

Melbourne Airport's proactive approach to maintenance ensures the runway's sound condition and safety for the next 10-12 years. The project has been challenging, given the airport's 24/7 operations, but the airport team and contractors have successfully navigated these difficulties.

The airport's management of maintenance and curfew-free operations exemplify their commitment to ensuring efficient and uninterrupted air travel while prioritising safety and sustainability.

Noise complaints and information

Melbourne Airport is curfew-free and operates 24 hours a day. However, between 2 am and 4 am, freight aircraft movements are more common than passenger flights.

Melbourne Airport is the second busiest airport in Australia, and with its 24/7 operations, noise complaints are inevitable. The airport has a dedicated email address, [email protected], for community queries, feedback, and noise complaints. Additionally, Airservices' Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS) can be reached at 1800 802 584 or online at www.airservicesaustralia.com/community/environment/aircraft-noise/about-making-a-complaint.

NCIS plays a crucial role in addressing community concerns about aircraft noise. They provide advice and information to the public on aircraft movements, particularly during curfews at other airports. NCIS also monitors aircraft operations during curfew periods and reports them to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications.

It is important to note that even though Melbourne Airport does not have a curfew, certain aircraft movements may be restricted or limited. For example, during the final stages of runway maintenance, the main north-south runway is closed from 1 am to 6 am. In such cases, aircraft use the existing east-west runway, and heavy aircraft types like A380s are scheduled outside these nighttime closures.

At federally leased airports with legislated curfews, such as Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Essendon Fields Airports, most scheduled flight operations are prohibited between 11 pm and 6 am. However, exceptions include emergency aircraft, small jets, propeller-driven aircraft, and freight movements. These exceptions are legally enforceable, and non-compliance may result in significant fines.

The Minister for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications can grant a dispensation for aircraft to operate during a curfew in exceptional circumstances. These dispensations must be approved before the flight and are subject to specific criteria and conditions.

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