Notice to airlines: Transition to Military Operating Areas

Military Operating Areas are expected to commence in support of military exercises and training.

Purpose

To enhance the safety of airspace users during military training or exercise activities and to bring us in line with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, changes to the Australian Airspace Regulations 2007 are expected to commence from 30 November 2023. These changes are subject to regulatory approval processes

The changes will create a new subset of danger areas called military operating areas (MOAs). Current military restricted areas outside Australian territory, and some areas within Australian territory, are expected to transition to MOAs by 28 November 2024

The first MOAs are expected to be introduced on 30 November 2023 at the following military bases and will be distinguished with a ‘M’ prefix:

• Cerberus (Vic)
• Edinburgh (SA)
• East Sale (VIC)
• Nowra (NSW)
• Williamtown (NSW).

The following conditions will apply when seeking access to MOAs: 

• Australian aircraft must request an approval to transit a MOA and conditions of entry may be imposed.
• Foreign registered aircraft can transit a MOA outside Australian territory without an approval. Within Australian territory an approval must be requested, and conditions of entry may be imposed. It’s strongly recommended they comply with the requirements of MOAs as if they are an Australian aircraft.

Aircraft operators transiting through Australian-administered airspace should update their documentation to reflect the introduction of these new types of danger areas.

All operators and pilots are required to review the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) before planning a flight into Australia.

Relevant restricted areas and danger areas, including MOAs, and any applicable entry conditions will be published in CASA’s biannual Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas Declaration and Determination instrument.

Related links

We consulted on this proposal in late 2021. More information is available on the CASA website.