Airlines raise concerns over plan to close Sydney ATC overnight and move controllers to Western Sydney

# What's proposed Sydney Airport is examining a resilience option that would close the Kingsford Smith air traffic control tower during overnight curfew hours so some controllers can be allocated to Western Sydney International (WSI). The idea is part of wider planning to manage staffing pressures across Sydney airspace.

# Why airlines are worried Stephen Beckett, CEO of Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ), told 2GB the proposal raises safety and efficiency concerns. He pointed out that even when scheduled arrivals stop during the curfew window, significant activity still happens overnight: aircraft are moved between terminals, maintenance occurs, and early-morning flights can require repositioning across runways. Beckett said those movements need "eyes on what's happening in the sky" to give people moving large aircraft adequate protection.

# Recent operational context in Sydney Sydney has seen pronounced disruption tied to ATC staffing. Airservices data cited by the industry show ground delay minutes at Kingsford Smith were almost 40% higher than average in the most recent month reported. A4ANZ also said more than 100,000 passengers experienced flight disruption in August because of insufficient ATC staff on duty. The airport's tower has faced high-profile staffing and sick-leave issues in recent months.

# The curfew and the practical problem The curfew window referenced by stakeholders runs overnight (commonly described as 2300–0500 local). Airlines argue that closing the tower during those hours would not simply pause risk: it shifts risks to ground movements and non-scheduled operations that happen in the same window. Towing aircraft between domestic and international terminals, crossing runways, and positioning aircraft for early departures are specific examples given.

# Process underway A working group formed in August brings airlines, the airport, and other stakeholders together to examine resilience and staffing solutions for Kingsford Smith. A4ANZ describes the group as a constructive step but says it wants concrete assurances that any measures will meet safety standards and avoid worsening delays and cancellations.

# What this means for passengers and operators If the airport or Airservices implements night-time tower closures without robust alternative safeguards, airlines expect a potential increase in delays, cancellations, and operational friction for overnight maintenance and repositioning. Conversely, reallocating controller resources might help WSI staffing but risks shifting problems back to Kingsford Smith unless solutions address both safety oversight and operational efficiency.

# Takeaway The proposal to close Sydney's tower overnight is being investigated as a resilience measure. Airlines want guarantees that safety oversight for ground and runway-crossing movements will remain intact and that any staffing reallocation will not worsen the delays already reported at Kingsford Smith.