The Australian Government is committed to leading the way in Antarctic environmental protection. We strive to continuously improve our environmental stewardship and minimise the environmental impacts of our operations. As such, and in accordance with our international obligations under the Antarctic Treaty system, the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is assessing the environmental impacts of the Australian Antarctic Program’s aviation operations on the Antarctic environment (areas south of 60°S).

A big white plane on an ice runway with a smaller red plane to the left and lots of people in yellow walking away from them
Expeditioners arrive at Wilkins Aerodrome Photo: Greg Barras

The AAD has prepared a draft Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE): Australian Antarctic Program Aviation Operations 2025-2030.

This IEE considers the potential environmental impacts of all Australian flights in the Antarctic Treaty area in support of the Australian Antarctic Program, for the coming five years. This includes intracontinental and intercontinental airplane flights, helicopters, operation of the Wilkins ice runway, airdrops and some remotely-piloted aircraft activities.

The AAD invites members of the public to submit comments on the draft IEE document. Comments should focus on potential environmental impacts of the proposed activities (south of 60°S) and/or suggest additional, specific ways to reduce the environmental impacts of the proposed activities.

Please note that this environmental assessment process is unrelated to the recently released Approach to Market for the provision of Antarctic Aviation Services.

The closing date for public comment is 5:00pm AEST on 13 June, 2025. 

Please submit comments and/or questions on this draft IEE to the AAD’s Antarctic and Environmental Regulation Section via email: eia@aad.gov.au 

Or via mail:

Gillian Slocum

Director, Antarctic and Environmental Regulation Section

Policy and Strategy Branch

Australian Antarctic Division

GPO Box 3090, Canberra City ACT 2601

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