CASA

For 2026, CASA has consolidated structural changes initiated in its multi-year Strategic Plan, with a focus on:

• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Integration: Full regulation for commercial operations of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in urban areas, including the certification of "Vertiports."
• Digital Licensing System: Permanent phase-out of physical licenses for crew members and engineers, replaced by blockchain-based digital credentials for instant verification via the *myCASA* app.
• Cargo Drone (RPAS) Regulation: Implementation of specific air corridors for heavy commercial delivery drones, integrating them into conventional air traffic control.
• Sustainability and SAF: Introduction of new certification standards for aircraft operating with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with rigorous emission monitoring.
• Cybersecurity: Requirement for all air operators to hold an approved Cybersecurity Safety Management System (CySMS) to protect navigation systems and passenger data.

CASA regulates baggage from a safety perspective (weight, balance, and dangerous goods), while price transparency follows ACCC regulations.

• Lithium Battery Safety: In 2026, rules for transporting spare batteries and portable electronic devices (PEDs) became even stricter. Batteries exceeding 100Wh require mandatory prior approval from the airline and must be carried strictly in carry-on baggage.
• Fare Transparency: Under Australian regulation, airlines must display the final price (all-in pricing), including checked baggage fees, before the purchase is completed.
• Baggage Allowance: There is no legal requirement for free baggage allowance in Australia. Airlines have the commercial freedom to set weight limits but must clearly state the cost per excess kilogram to prevent aircraft overloading.

The transport of animals in Australia is highly regulated due to the country’s strict biosecurity laws.

• Assistance Dogs: Under the *Disability Discrimination Act 1992* and CASA regulations, certified guide and assistance dogs have the right to travel in the cabin with their handlers at no extra cost, provided they carry identification badges and meet hygiene requirements.
• Pets (General): Most domestic animals must be transported in the cargo hold in crates that comply with IATA standards and are approved by CASA to ensure proper pressurization and ventilation.
• Emotional Support Animals (ESAN): Unlike in the USA, Australia does not legally recognize emotional support animals as assistance dogs, subjecting them to the same cargo transport rules as ordinary pets.

CASA prioritizes the physical safety of minors during flight:

• Child Restraint Systems (Car Seats): CASA recommends the use of approved child restraints (displaying the Australian label AS/NZS 1754 or an international equivalent) for children up to 18kg. Airlines cannot charge fees to check one stroller and one car seat per child.
• Infant Seatbelts: Infants (under 2 years old) may travel on a lap using a supplementary belt provided by the crew, or in their own seat if a child restraint device (such as a CARES harness) is used.
• Seating Allocation: Although CASA does not dictate commercial seating policies, there is a safety guideline stating that children under 12 should be accommodated next to their accompanying adults at no extra cost, aiming to facilitate emergency evacuations.

Airlines operating in Australia must provide access facilitation plans for passengers with disabilities.

• Wheelchairs: Transport of mobility equipment (manual or electric wheelchairs) is free and does not count towards the baggage allowance. For motorized wheelchairs, the passenger must inform the airline of the battery type (gel, dry-cell, or lithium) at least 48 hours in advance.
• MEDIF (Medical Information Form): Passengers with unstable medical conditions or those requiring supplemental oxygen must submit a MEDIF form signed by a physician. CASA requires airlines to have clear protocols for the use of approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs).
• Priority Boarding: Priority boarding is guaranteed for passengers with reduced mobility, allowing them to settle in before the main flow of passengers.

For updated data and technical inquiries, please use the official CASA channels:

• CASA Home Page: https://www.casa.gov.au
• Passenger and Baggage Safety: https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/travel-and-passengers
• Transport of Batteries and Dangerous Goods: https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/travel-and-passengers/dangerous-goods
• Drone and RPAS Regulation: https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone
• Assistance Dogs and Accessibility: https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/travel-and-passengers/travelling-disability