More than 1,300 community submissions have been received on proposed new flight paths at Brisbane Airport, reflecting widespread concern over aircraft noise.
Background and Context
Brisbane Airport’s $1.1 billion second runway opened in July 2020, significantly altering aircraft movements across the city. Since then, noise complaints have increased, particularly from suburbs newly affected by low-flying aircraft.
Airservices Australia developed the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane in response to these concerns, aiming to reduce the impact of aircraft operations by redistributing flight paths. Consultation on Package 3 of the plan ran until 17 August 2025, later extended to 24 August 2025.
The airport currently manages about 615 aircraft movements a day, with forecasts estimating this will rise to 1,046 per day by 2046, excluding freight traffic, which is not expected to grow significantly.
Proposed Flight Path Changes
The proposals include adjustments to both arrivals and departures, with the aim of shifting some routes offshore over Moreton Bay and spreading noise across a wider area.
According to Airservices, suburbs including Redland, Bribie Island and Samford could see reduced traffic, while some new routes could affect areas such as Kenmore.
Separately, consultation materials show potential changes in the north-west and south of the city. These would reduce traffic over Samford Valley, Cedar Creek and Logan, while increasing overflights for suburbs including Everton Park, Brisbane CBD, Bulimba, Balmoral and West End.
Alternatives and Noise-Sharing Approach
To reduce concentrated impacts, Airservices has promoted a “noise-sharing” strategy, meaning more communities will experience aircraft noise but less frequently. This includes maximising use of Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations (SODPROPS) over Moreton Bay when conditions permit.
Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessments were released for Package 3 proposals, covering departures and arrivals over land and water. Heat maps and usage statistics based on 2019 and 2024 flight data were also provided to help communities assess potential changes.
Community Sentiment
Public submissions exceeded 1,300 on the flight path changes, while just 42 submissions had been received on the airport’s long-term masterplan as of late August.
Residents reported disrupted sleep, with some counting more than a dozen aircraft overhead within half an hour. Community groups argue that shifting noise does not solve the problem and have called for measures such as night curfews and flight caps, similar to restrictions at Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast airports.
Concerns have also been raised about expected growth in flights in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Community Wellbeing Support
In recognition of the stress linked to aircraft operations, Airservices has extended an independent counselling service through Converge International. The program is available free of charge to any community member and covers support for sleep issues, personal stress, mental health and other concerns.
Next Steps
Airservices Australia will review all feedback and determine which options can be implemented. The consultation is part of the broader Noise Action Plan for Brisbane, with outcomes expected to guide long-term planning for the airport. Expansion plans also include a third terminal by 2031 and land reserved for potential future runway extensions.
Published 3-Sep-2025
