DAFF - IIAN 35-2026: Action required: new pre-arrival reporting obligations for non-scheduled flights have commenced

26 February 2026

Who does this notice affect?

All international non-scheduled flights arriving in Australian territory.

What has changed?

Amended reporting obligations outlined in the Biosecurity Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025 (Amendments) take effect from 27 February 2026.

They apply to all international non-scheduled flights arriving in Australian territory on or after 27 February 2026.

Pre-flight reporting: Non-Scheduled Pre-Arrival Report (NSPAR)

If a non-scheduled international flight intends to enter Australian territory, and no exception applies, a non-scheduled Pre-Arrival Report (NSPAR) must be given prior to the aircraft commencing the flight from outside Australian territory. 

In-flight General Pre-Arrival Report (GPAR)

The in-flight GPAR requirements have been maintained and aligned with those for scheduled flights. A non-scheduled flight is only required to submit an in-flight GPAR at top of descent to the first landing place, if any of the following occur:

• A person on board has, or had, signs or symptoms of a listed human disease
• A person on board dies during the flight
• There are animals or plants in the cabin
• An animal in the cabin dies during the flight
• The mandatory aircraft disinsection measures were not carried out before arrival in Australian territory.

The department will apply compliance and enforcement provisions to conveyances that do not meet these new reporting requirements from 27 February 2026.

Additional guidance and support

The department has published an Aircraft pre-arrival report: non-scheduled pre-flight online form to assist stakeholders to meet the amended reporting time frame. 

• Prior to departing your last overseas port, you can email the new form directly to the Biosecurity Airport Contact at your intended first point of entry.
• While existing alternative formats will continue to be accepted, use of the new form is strongly encouraged as it supports consistent, complete and accurate reporting. 

Associated Information

The department has previously published an IIAN advising of amendments to the Biosecurity Regulation 2016. For further information, see:

364-2025: Action Required: New pre-arrival reporting obligations for non-commercial vessels and aircraft (non-scheduled flights)

Further information

Prior to departing your last overseas port, stakeholders are encouraged to download a copy of the Biosecurity obligations for aircraft arriving in Australian territory. 

Biosecurity obligations for aircraft arriving in Australian territory

• Biosecurity obligations for aircraft arriving in Australian territory

For general enquiries or enquiries relating to arriving aircraft, contact the department on 1800 900 090 or Conveyance.Aircraft@aff.gov.au.