We take a risk-based approach to declaring an airport to be security controlled under the
Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (ATSA).
Security controlled airports
All security controlled airports must implement security measures based on their local security risk profile and operating environment. We assign a category to a particular security controlled airport based on the volume and type of international or domestic air services it supports. Airports may be assigned a category that requires them to perform aviation security screening and clearing of people, baggage and cargo to allow them to board or be placed in an aircraft.
Security controlled airports and their category are published in the
government gazette.
When an airport is declared security controlled it must have, and comply with, a transport security program (TSP) that covers any aviation-security-related activity on the airport.
Security program content requirements are set out for the operator of a security controlled airport in Division 2.2 of the
Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (ATSR) . The airport operator's TSP includes information required to meet aviation security obligations.
It is an offence for a security controlled airport to operate without an approved TSP.
For more information see
transport security obligations.
Security controlled airport boundary
The boundaries of security controlled airports are published in the government gazette. They determine the extent and scope of powers that can be exercised in those airports under the ATSA.
Security zones
Landside and airside security zones within a security controlled airport are areas subject to additional security requirements such as, but not limited to:
- restrict general public access
- prevent unlawful interference with the airport facilities, people, or aircraft
- secure critical infrastructure including:
- fuel storage areas
- cargo and baggage handling facilities
- navigation aids
- other installations where interference with, or damage to, the installation could put the operation of an airport, port or an aircraft at risk.
