Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has welcomed moves by Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather, who said it was time for a "broad-based discussion" about easing restrictions in an era of quieter passenger aircraft.

Apart from an overnight curfew, the airport is restricted to 80 aircraft movements per hour, and 20 every 15 minutes.

Her comments follow a push from NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance, who has urged the federal government to consider easing restrictions on regional aircraft.

Mr Anderson, who has been pushing for more slots for regional areas for the past six months, welcomed the push from aviation officials to get the ball rolling.

“I believe there is a growing appetite to see a review of the cap on the number of planes that can fly in and out of Kingsford Smith Airport. I note the comments by Sydney Airport CEO, Kerrie Mather and appreciate any support we can get to see some action in this area,” Mr Anderson said.

“There needs to be a discussion about the classification change for regional/rural slots. Large coastal areas are classified the same as places like Tamworth, despite catering to larger populations.

“I have written to the Federal Minister for Transport, Darren Chester and look forward to discussing the matter further with him.”

Mr Anderson’s comments follow the release of new figures indicating that Tamworth is among the top 50 regional airlines in the nation, at 29^th place, with Armidale not far behind at number 35.

Mr Anderson said the figures justified the need for more slots.

“The more people flying into the North West, the better the region will be,” he said.

“It also strengthens our argument that more people are flying in and it strengthens the fact that we need this review.”

The push for more slots from Tamworth to Sydney was sparked after Virgin Australia was forced to reduce its overnight services, from six flights to three, due to a slot allocation reshuffle at Sydney airport.

Members of the community, including Tamworth councillors, raised concerns that a lack of flight slots into Tamworth would not be ‘a good look for business’.