The official public opening was in March 1969 following an exhaustive process which commenced in 1966 and involved a series of NSW State Government departments, Commonwealth of Australia Department of Civil Aviation (CASA) and the Council of The City of Blue Mountains approval processes.

Katoomba Airfield has been continuously operational following its opening in 1969. However, since February 2016 there has been minimal maintenance of the runways resulting in their need for significant repair and restoration. This has resulted in the airfield beingtemporarily closed to fixed-wing operations, (except in emergencies).  All helicopter operations, including emergency services and defence force utilisation have continued in a business-as-usual manner.

A new DRAFT Katoomba Airfield “Fly Neighbourly” policy is being developed at present and will shortly be available for public comment. These will include flight paths, operating hours, general use of the airfield including noise abatement procedures.

A Stakeholder Group will be formed which will further contribute to the final Katoomba Airfield ‘Fly Neighbourly’ policy.

Unlike the current Blue Mountains Fly Neighbourly policy, which has proved less than adequate, FLYBLUE’s new Katoomba Airfield Fly Neighbourly policy will be enforceable through the “Conditions of Use” which each and every pilot will agree and commit to prior to being allowed entry into Katoomba Airfield (YKAT).

The Fly Neighbourly policy will be promoted on www.flyblue.com.au as well as highlighted in ERSA which is the aviation enroute supplement, referenced by all aviators.

Any breach of the Katoomba Airfield Fly Neighbourly policy will result in an immediate withdrawal of the aviator’s permission to utilise Katoomba Airfield in the future.

Residents who believe the Katoomba Airfield Fly Neighbourly policy has been breached are encouraged to report the incident via our website under the “FLY NEIGHBOURLY” tab “REPORTING CONCERNS” and fill in the on-line form. FLYBLUE commit to investigate all reports as we take a breach of the Fly Neighbourly policy very seriously.

It is important to emphasize, FLYBLUE is not able to influence aircraft that originate from airfields other than Katoomba Airfield, as they fall under the control of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

All aviators wishing to use Katoomba Airfield will be directed to the “Conditions of Use”. These are enforceable and represent the only conditions under which aviators may use Katoomba Airfield. The Conditions of Use incorporate all Fly Neighbourly procedures.

No – FLYBLUE will not be undertaking joy flights over Echo Point, the Three Sisters, Grose Valley, up the Grand Canyon and all residential areas within the Blue Mountains.

However, as previously noted FLYBLUE has no control over the existing and future level of joy flights available to the general public from locations outside of the Blue Mountains which focus on the Three Sisters and other key World Heritage Areas.

After the untimely death of Katoomba Airfield’s previous lessee in February 2016, and prior to Crown Lands conducting a public EOI in September 2017, in reference to this very Crown Lands has stated “….. in reference to preferences for future management of the land expressed by Blue Mountains City Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service between 1999 and 2008. I wish to advise that, in consulting both agencies prior to the 2017 EOI campaign, the Department drew attention to the historically expressed view that Katoomba Airfield should be reinstated within Blue Mountains National Park. Neither agency expressed its opposition to the planned EOI campaign. Nor has either raised any objection to the outcome.”

YES – FLYBLUE are partnering with Greenfleet, Australia’s most respected source of biodiverse carbon offsets. Greenfleet connect people and organisations with real climate action by utilising offset donations to plant trees and restore forests www.greenfleet.com.au

FLYBLUE has committed to donate a tree for every flight into and out of Katoomba Airfield,which is far more than required to ensure carbon neutrality. FLYBLUE’s commitment is: 1 flight = 1 tree.

Katoomba Airfield will be securely fenced into two distinct zones: aviation zone and non-aviation zone. The closing of runway 10/28 (eastern portion) with a large proportion dedicated to homogenous regeneration, along with the immediate environmental remediation works stopping further site erosion, both of the Hanging Swaps present on the airfield will be protected into the future.

No – in fact the activities proposed are a ‘light footprint’ and represent far less of a biodiversity and biosecurity threat to the World Heritage National Park than many other current activities such as bushwalking, camping, bike riding, horse riding and/or 4WD.

Furthermore, there is no material evidence to suggest that flights over the World Heritage National Park have any impact on the native flora and fauna.

No – this is a complete fabrication and is baseless and is designed to cause fear and concerns amongst the community.

In the event of any form of emergency the Emergency Services take priority at all times and all other activities will cease for as long as necessary. Historically during bushfires,Katoomba Airfield becomes ‘ground zero’.

FLYBLUE sees this as a priority and is committed to substantially improving the airfield facilities and infrastructure for the utilisation of Emergency Services in times of need. The safety of the community and the protection of the environment are paramount for FLYBLUE.