News that Emirates Airlines face the potential of a $1 Million fine for weather delayed departures out of Sydney Airport “highlights the need for changes to curfew regulations”, the Tourism Industry Council NSW General Manager Andrew Jefferies said.

“It is simply absurd that carriers are not given dispensation to depart after the curfew in the event of weather related delays, particularly when thunderstorms drastically reduce or stop aircraft movements altogether”, Mr Jefferies said.

“The “hard” curfew hours of 11pm and 6am restrict the operations of Sydney Airport and limit the competitiveness of Australia’s global gateway, particularly when compared to Melbourne, Brisbane and its regional neighbours in the Asia-Pacific. That flights are not given dispensation to depart after 11pm after many hours of weather related delays sends a message to the world that Sydney and New South Wales are not serious about attracting international tourists”, he said.

“It is time that the Federal Government reviewed the curfew legislation and gave serious consideration to relaxing some of these constraints in order to provide Sydney Airport with greater operational flexibility so that inbound tourists continue to have a positive experience of Sydney, New South Wales and Australia.” “As Australia’s main international gateway, Sydney needs the flexibility and capacity to grow its operations and not be held back by a handful of inner city politicians pandering to local NIMBYS.”

“Additionally, if the New South Wales Government is serious about doubling the overnight visitor economy by the year 2020, a change to the existing, outdated, curfew legislation is a priority”.

News of the potential Emirates fine comes as the joint Federal and New South Wales Government study into New South Wales aviation capacity is soon to be released.  Mr Jefferies said that “the Tourism Industry Council NSW eagerly awaits the outcome of this report and reiterates its position that Sydney will require additional aviation capacity over the next decade and beyond, particularly if Government continues to stand by the restrictions placed on Sydney Airport’s potential growth”.