Sydney’s new A$5.6 billion (US$4 billion) airport will open to passengers in October after more than a decade of planning, adding red-eye flight options from Australia’s largest city as the existing hub operates under night curfew restrictions.
The current airport, located closer to Sydney’s central business district, can host take-offs and landings only until 11pm and after 6am due to tough noise regulations, limiting airline scheduling options relative to other major Australian cities like Melbourne.
But the new Western Sydney Airport in Badgerys Creek, about 60km (37 miles) west of central Sydney, will operate 24 hours a day, giving airlines access to a fast-growing and ethnically diverse population centre.
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It will also provide scheduling flexibility for Asian and Gulf routes that are also popular for European travel, though its location is less appealing for many business travellers who help fill premium seats.
“This is a big moment for Sydney, with passenger flights at Western Sydney Airport commencing in just 137 days,” Australian Transport Minister Catherine King said.
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