Western Sydney Airport begins passenger flights

The Western Sydney Airport has officially started handling passenger flights, marking a major change for the area. It began operations in July with cargo flights and welcomed its first domestic flights from Jetstar on October 24, followed by its first international flights from Air New Zealand on October 25. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this is the first time in more than 50 years that Australia has opened a major new airport, calling it a milestone for Western Sydney residents.

Airport built to ease Sydney's congestion

The airport was planned in 2014 and construction started in 2018. It was created to reduce the pressure on Sydney’s main airport, Kingford-Smith, which has limits due to its location and operational rules, such as a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. and a maximum of 80 aircraft movements per hour. The new airport is designed to handle both domestic and international flights in one place, using modern technology for check-in, baggage handling, and ground operations.

Airport aims for large passenger numbers

The airport can handle up to 10 million passengers each year, with the potential to grow to 80 million as the region develops. Officials say it should connect to more than 250 destinations within a year. Airlines are expected to start operating at the airport gradually, with Singapore Airlines beginning in late November, Qatar Airways in December, VietJet in January, and Fiji Airways and Qantas in March.

Some residents have mixed feelings

Not all Western Sydney residents are happy with the new airport, even though it brings economic opportunities through its industrial zone and better access, including a new highway to Sydney. Some people have faced noise issues for the first time, as the airport does not have a curfew, unlike the older airport.