Western Sydney Airport opens, serves passenger flights 24 hours
The first international route to Auckland is set for October 26, with capacity eventually rising to 80 million passengers a year.
Western Sydney International Airport began serving passengers on Sunday, marking the opening of a major new airport in Australia after more than 50 years. The A$5.6 billion facility is in Badgerys Creek, about 45-60 kilometers west of central Sydney, and operates 24 hours a day. Jetstar made the first commercial passenger flight to Gold Coast, watched by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The airport gives Sydney a new option as Sydney Airport still limits takeoffs and landings at night. Passenger service started after cargo flights began in July. The Australian government said initial capacity is designed for about 10 million passengers a year and will be expanded in stages to more than 80 million. The first international flight is scheduled to depart for Auckland on October 26.