Overview
- Airservices put the new Package 3 flight paths into operation on Thursday, shifting four main routes to move flights over less populated areas and raise some arrival altitudes to cut engine noise on the ground.
- The package includes four actions: moving northern arrival tracks further over water (about 59,000 fewer people overflown), new short‑approach connections for non‑jet aircraft, southern arrival changes to permit Independent Parallel Runway Operations (IPRO) (about 35,000 fewer), and shifting south‑east departures eastward from the legacy runway (about 44,500 fewer).
- IPRO, which allows aircraft to land side‑by‑side on both runways and increases landing throughput, will not be used routinely until late 2027 and some specific route adjustments still require safety approvals from CASA and Flight Services Australia.
- Community reaction is divided: residents on Redcliffe, Bribie, parts of southern Moreton Bay and Logan welcomed reduced overflights while critics including the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance say the plan focuses on capacity over measured noise relief and Bulimba will see no change.
- The changes follow a prolonged review triggered by the 2020 second runway and are intended to remain in place through preparations for the 2032 Olympics, with Airservices citing population, frequency of overflight, cumulative impact, track miles, emissions and altitude in its decision making.