Airservices Australia has released its Australian Aviation Network Overview report for August 2025.
Highlights include:
- In August 2025, the Australian aviation network returned to seasonal levels following the July school holiday peak with passenger demand and load factors remaining strong. In contrast, flight volumes have seen a declining trend in 2025, reflecting a shift toward optimising existing fleet capacity amid aircraft supply constraints.
- The growth in network carriers contrasts with reduced operations from regional airlines facing aging fleet and structural market challenges. General aviation, particularly flight training schools, continued its steady recovery which is critical for aviation workforce development and regional connectivity.
- On-time performance stayed ahead of 2024 benchmarks but has been impacted by severe winter weather conditions such as fog and strong winds. Industry workshops in August focused on refining scenario planning, disruption response, collaborative decision-making and communication ahead of the upcoming spring holiday and major events season.
- Ground delays fell 25 per cent year-on-year, with the Ground Delay Program (GDP) compliance reaching 85 per cent. Strong industry adherence to Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) procedures at Brisbane and Perth is unlocking efficient departure operations enabled by real-time situational awareness. We are working closely with airports and airlines to harness data related to aircraft turnaround and gate processes to further quantify A-CDM benefits.
- Airspace service variations recorded their lowest level since January 2022. However, unplanned staff absences during this winter season have resulted in some service aberrations in Sydney and metropolitan aerodromes. Workforce resilience efforts including active recruitment, training and delivering standby staffing arrangements continue to be progressed to ensure reliable and consistent services across the network.
- Embedding a community-by-design approach to balance airport growth with aircraft noise management and public trust remains a priority across the aviation sector. This commitment is evident in the increased use of Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations (SODPROPS) at Brisbane Airport this year, when weather and operational conditions have allowed, reducing flights over residential areas particularly during weekend daytime and weekday evening periods.
About Airservices
Airservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for safely and efficiently managing air traffic in 11 per cent of the world's airspace, as well as the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia's busiest airports. We are regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and work closely with our customers and industry to support the long-term growth of the aviation industry.
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