Darwin Airport control room reduces services after Covid outbreak

BUMPY LANDING: Territory air traffic control room scales down operation after Covid outbreak.

THE Darwin air traffic control room was reportedly left unmanned as planes landed over the weekend, with staffing shortages to potentially last until August.

The NT News understands there were no staff in the Darwin International Airport control tower on Saturday night, forcing incoming planes to co-ordinate between themselves a landing schedule.

The Royal Australian Air Force runs the 24/7 control services to support both military and civil flying operations.

A Defence spokesman confirmed they were forced to implement a “reduced services contingency operation” after multiple staff tested positive to Covid.

“In order to continue providing air traffic control services with the remaining controllers and endorsement configurations, management have reduced air traffic control services to maintain safe flying operations,” the spokesman said.

Darwin Airport New Flight Tower. Picture Julianne Osborne

He said air traffic management procedures were being put in place to restrict traffic flows, with the new measures likely to hit military, general aviation and airline operations.

“The introduction of these traffic restrictions will likely have an impact … with possible holding and or delays to ensure the safe processing of aviation traffic,” he said.

Defence said an Aerodrome Flight Information Service would be implemented between 10pm and 6am daily.

This is a system of air traffic control which provides pilots with details of other planes taking off, landing and flying in the vicinity of the airfield, and is usually used by smaller airfields.

The Defence spokesman said controller training had been temporarily suspended to ensure qualified and endorsed controllers were available across the 24/7 roster.

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Darwin International Airport. Picture: Floss Adams.

“Staffing (is) being augmented in the coming days by qualified personnel from other bases who have recent experience operating in the Darwin Air Traffic Control environment,” he said.

Defence said the Air Force is working closely with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Airservices Australia, the airlines, Aviation Operators and Darwin International Airport to minimise disruption.

He said the reduced services could continue until August 1.

Darwin Airport and airlines were contacted for comment about potential impacts to services.

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia confirmed there had been no impact yet to their flights.

Darwin Airport directed questions to Defence and specific airline providers.