'Eyes moving west': Sydney's new airport opens to passengers today

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) officially welcomed its first commercial passengers today, marking a significant milestone in the region's aviation industry. Located 45 kilometers from Sydney's Central Business District, the Badgerys Creek airport is designed for 24/7 operation and has the potential to handle up to 82 million passengers per year by the 2060s.

The new terminal has been described as a "generational change to aviation" by WSI CEO Simon Hickey. The airport's first commercial flight to the Gold Coast departed at 11 a.m., with a return flight from the Gold Coast arriving at WSI at 3 p.m. Jetstar flight JQ362, sold out upon opening, was the first major Australian airline service from the airport.

WSI opened for cargo operations in July, and around 10,000 workers contributed to its construction, with approximately half of them from Western Sydney. The airport aims to provide choice to residents and visitors from Greater Sydney and beyond. Indigenous artists from the area were commissioned to create artworks for the terminal, with one artist highlighting the importance of representing Dharug culture.

WSI CEO Hickey expressed excitement about the airport's potential growth, noting that eyes are moving west as forward-planning for future development.