Australian airlines must have two crew members in the cockpit at all times, under a deal struck with the industry after the Germanwings plane crash.
The pilot of the Germanwings plane that crashed in the French Alps was locked out of the cockpit by his colleague.
Transport Minister Warren Truss says domestic and international airlines will have to comply with the new rule immediately.
Standard operating procedure will require two members of the operating crew, or authorised people, on the flight deck at all times.
The arrangements will apply at all times to all regular passenger transport services where the aircraft has seating capacity for 50 passengers and above.
The agreement will be reviewed after 12 months.
Mr Truss says aviation agencies will work with the industry and airline staff on further improvements, such as the requirements for medical testing, including mental health, of all flight crew members.
“Today’s decision is a sensible, measured response that combines safeguarding the travelling public with the practical capabilities of the aviation sector,” Mr Truss said.
The Germanwings flight crashed on Tuesday, killing all 150 on board, including two Australians.
French officials say the plane’s voice recorder indicates that co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, 27, locked the captain out of the cockpit of the jet and steered it into the Alps.
Australian pilots are subject to annual medical reviews, which include a psychiatric assessment.
If at any time there are concerns about the mental health of any pilot or co-pilot they are not placed in command of aircraft.
