QANTAS, SIA removal of curfew hours at Sydney Airport
Mon, Jul 07, 2008
The New Straits Times
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Qantas and Singapore Airlines are seeking for the removal of the curfew hours from 11pm to 6am at the Sydney Airport to allow flights throughout the night.
The two airlines are lobbying the Australian government for the change, saying a cap of 80 flights an hour, and the curfew were restricting growth at the airport, the Australian Associated Press reported.
Both argue that quieter planes make it possible to scrap the night curfew, with Qantas saying jets should be allowed to land but not take off.
Without change, a second airport would have to be built in Sydney to cope with booming traffic numbers, Qantas is arguing in its submission to the government.
But Australias Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, said the current quota and curfew system struck the right balance for surrounding communities.
"The original legislation establishing the cap and curfew at Sydney Airport passed the Parliament with bipartisan support," Albanese told Fairfax Newspapers.
"It strikes the right balance between the commercial interests of the airport and protecting the quality of life of local residents."