Environmental Impact Statement for preliminary WSI flight paths released

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport’s (WSI) preliminary flight paths has been released today. 

The report follows months of consultation with stakeholders and the community to balance the growth of the airport with the needs of the community on the ground. 

In response to community feedback, five changes have been made from the draft EIS to minimise the impact of aircraft noise, particularly at night. 

In addition to the two flight path changes that have already been announced and consulted on, this includes the removal of one flight path and refinements to others.  

These changes are now available for the community to view through the online Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool.

The EIS also sets out my department’s response to each issue raised in submissions to the draft EIS, as well as addressing feedback on the two flight path changes proposed through the additional consultation in August.  

The Minister for the Environment and Water will now consider the final EIS and advise me on whether the preliminary flight paths should be approved, and if so, whether any conditions should be applied to the approval.

During the public exhibition of the draft EIS, my department received over 8,400 submissions, with each and every one being considered in finalising the EIS. 

This feedback has been crucial to ensuring the airport delivers lasting benefits while balancing the needs of the community, environment, industry and users of the broader Greater Sydney airspace. 

WSI is already creating thousands of jobs during construction and will continue to deliver long-term employment opportunities, boost economic activity and provide significant transport benefits for Western Sydney when it opens in late 2026.

I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the preliminary flight paths and draft EIS process to get to this point, including those who made a submission or attended one of the more than 50 in-person consultation sessions. 

The final EIS has been published by my department – the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts – in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 

It can be viewed online, alongside the updated Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool, at www.wsiflightpaths.gov.au. Hardcopies will also be available at locations across Greater Sydney, with further information on locations also available on that site.