Detailed on the safety watchdog’s website, the report from an “experienced Air Traffic Controller” expresses concerns that the Sydney Terminal Control Unit (TCU) is “not ready to safely manage the impending complex airspace and procedure changes” implemented in July.

The airstrip in Balgo, located at the edge of the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts in the Kimberley region, received $3 million from the Federal Government and more than $3.65 million from the WA Government to boost safety and reliability.

The low-cost carrier has cited “increased cost pressures, softer demand and the need to strategically align the airline’s network and fleet” in its decision to suspend the A330 flights between Sydney and the Malaysian capital, with Melbourne and Perth to see increased services instead.

In its Australian Aviation Network Overview report for July 2026, Airservices said the Australian aviation industry has entered Financial Year 2026-2027 with “resilient demand and steady economic conditions despite ongoing global uncertainty”.