Night flying restrictions or night-time curfews,[1] including night flight bans, are any regulations or legislation imposed by a governing body to limit the ground-perceived exposure to aircraft noise pollution during the night hours, when the majority of residents are trying to sleep. Such regulations may include restrictions to available flight paths, or prohibitions against takeoffs, or prohibitions against takeoffs and landings, or prohibitions against ground operations (engine runups or taxiing).
Several night flying restrictions including full night flight bans have been introduced in Europe in order to ensure that residents living near airports can sleep at night.
Curfews are not as common at international airports in Oceania as they are in Europe, though some airports do still have curfews if they surround densely populated suburbs.
| Curfews at Australian international airports | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | State/territory | Curfew? | Notes |
| Adelaide |  South Australia
|
Yes (23:00 to 06:00) | [6] |
| Brisbane |  Queensland
|
No | Curfew proposed,[7] objected to by airport.[8][9] |
| Cairns | Queensland
|
No | [10] |
| Canberra |  Australian Capital Territory
|
No | [11] |
| Darwin International Airport |  Northern Territory
|
No | [12] |
| Gold Coast | Queensland
|
Yes (23:00 to 06:00) | [13] |
| Hobart |  Tasmania
|
No | [14] |
| Melbourne |  Victoria
|
No | [15] |
| Newcastle |  New South Wales
|
Yes (22:00 to 06:00) | [16] |
| Perth |  Western Australia
|
No | Curfew previously proposed, rejected multiple times.[17][18][19] |
| Sunshine Coast | Queensland
|
No | While there is no curfew at Sunshine Coast Airport, approval is required for aircraft to take off or land at the airport from 23:00 and 05:30.[20] |
| Sydney (Kingsford-Smith) | New South Wales
|
Yes (23:00 to 06:00) | Despite being the busiest airport in Oceania and a hub for the Asia-Pacific region, Sydney Airport has a curfew because it is located in the densely populated suburb of Mascot.[21] |
| Western Sydney | New South Wales
|
No | Western Sydney Airport is currently under construction. However, due to it being located away from densely populated suburbs, it will not have a curfew, unlike Sydney Airport, which does have a curfew.[22][23] |
| Curfews at New Zealand international airports | ||
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Curfew? | Notes |
| Auckland | No | |
| Christchurch | No | [24] |
| Queenstown | Yes (22:00 to 07:00) | [25] |
| Wellington | Yes (00:00 to 06:00) | International arrivals allowed until 01:00.[26] |
There are several studies examining the relationship between aviation noise at night and its effects on health and quality of life. The UK's ANNE study aims to provide insights into how nighttime aviation noise affects sleep disturbance among residents living near airports. Results from this study are expected to inform future regulations and help mitigate adverse effects on communities.[27][28]
While night flights are crucial for maintaining global trade and passenger connectivity, their impact on local communities cannot be overlooked. Stakeholders argue for a balanced approach that considers both economic benefits and the well-being of residents affected by noise pollution. The US government has expressed concerns over potential reductions in night flight operations in Europe, emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment of economic implications.[29]
