Air traffic control services will be introduced at Victoria's Avalon Airport, in Melbourne's west, after an aeronautical study found the move was warranted by strong passenger growth.

Avalon is currently served by a mixture of light and jet aircraft, including Virgin Blue and Jetstar passenger planes.

Traffic at the airport is expected to top 1.4 million passengers this year.

Air traffic control is currently provided only on request. But with regular airline services now using Avalon, controversy has been raging about whether authorities have been risking lives by failing to insist more needed to be done.

But an assessment by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) released on May 15 found that controlled "Class C" airspace and associated air traffic services should be provided when passenger planes are operating.

The study found a "Class C" service would significantly reduce risk to passenger planes from light aircraft compared to other scenarios.

CASA chief executive Bruce Byron said the authority would work closely with Airservices Australia and airport management to make sure the changes were implemented safely in a "structured and timely manner".

"The airport is a popular location for flying training schools, freight operators and general aviation aircraft attending special events," Mr Byron said.

Avalon also provides a maintenance base for medium to heavy jet aircraft.

"Passenger-carrying operations are CASA's No. 1 priority," he said.

"Changes to airspace arrangements at Avalon Airport will ensure the continued safety of passengers as air traffic increases."

A CASA spokeswoman said a decision had yet been made on whether air traffic control services would be provided on site via a staffed tower, or whether they would be provided via an alternative control centre.

She said the issue would be determined by Airservices Australia and the airport operator, with CASA monitoring the progress.