Sydney Airport's Strict Nightly Curfew Explained: Noise, Regulations, and Impact

Sydney Airport enforces one of the world's strictest curfews, banning most take-offs and landings between 11 pm and 6 am. This federal law, established in the 1990s due to resident complaints about noise, aims to protect sleep in surrounding communities. While emergency, medical, and some specific quiet flights are permitted, airlines face heavy fines for violations. The curfew necessitates careful scheduling, often leading to diversions or passenger inconvenience when delays occur.