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Commonwealth legislation
This Act has been repealed and is no longer in force. It is retained for historical reference.
These regulations govern how international and domestic air travel operates in Australia, balancing safety, security, fair competition, and compliance with international aviation treaties.
What the rules do
License international flights: Airlines must obtain a licence to run scheduled international services to or from Australia. Applicants must prove they are financially sound, properly insured, and meet safety standards under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Aviation Transport Security Act 2004.
Control schedules and prices: Airlines cannot simply set their own fares or timetables. They must submit tariffs (prices and conditions) and timetables (routes, times, capacity) to the Secretary for approval. The government can reject or vary these to protect consumers, ensure economic viability, or respond to unfair practices by foreign governments.
Manage airports: The Minister can establish airports and declare them open to the public, while the Secretary controls day-to-day operations and can issue safety directions.
Enforce security and collect data: Operators must provide statistical returns on passengers, cargo, and flights. Schedule 1 bans a wide range of weapons on aircraft—from firearms and grenades to crossbows and Tasers. Aviation security officers have the power to inspect aircraft and travel on flights to monitor compliance.
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Direct links to the current provisions in Air Navigation Regulations 1947.
Zoe has indexed the source text for search and analysis. Use the official register for the original document and download formats.
View on official registerSourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
Restrict advertising: Airlines cannot advertise services they are not licensed to fly, and must clearly state when flights are "subject to Government approval."
Penalties and enforcement: Breaches attract fines (up to 50 penalty units for advertising offences) or licence cancellation. The regulations also create an infringement notice system—similar to an on-the-spot traffic fine—as an alternative to court prosecution for minor offences.
Implement UN obligations: Specific rules (such as the prohibition on flights to or from Afghanistan without special approval) give effect to international sanctions and the Chicago Convention on international civil aviation.
Who is affected International and domestic airlines, charter operators, airport operators, aircraft owners, and aviation security personnel.
Why it matters These regulations protect Australia's aviation safety standards, control which foreign carriers can enter the Australian market, ensure compliance with international law, and provide enforcement tools ranging from administrative fines to aircraft detention.