First international flight takes off from new Sydney airport

On Monday, Air New Zealand NZ166 became the first international flight to depart from the newly opened Western Sydney International Airport, marking the first alternative to Sydney's main airport after more than four decades of planning. The airport, costing Aus$5.3 billion (US$3.7 billion) excluding surrounding transport works, began domestic flights on Sunday and freight operations in July.

It is located in Botany Bay, just nine kilometers (six miles) from the city center, and provides a 24-hour operation for airlines with greater flexibility to connect into global hubs and travelers more choice in reaching the world.

Air New Zealand's chief operations officer, Kate Boyer, expressed her excitement about being part of opening a brand-new international airport, highlighting that Western Sydney is home to over 2.5 million people and serves as a gateway for Australian visitors to discover the country's offerings. The new single-runway airport, Australia's first new major aviation hub in over five decades, replaced Kingsford Smith, Sydney's busiest airport with three runways handling more than 42 million passengers last year.

With no nighttime curfew restricting passenger aircraft operations, the airport gives airlines more flexibility and travelers more options. In addition to Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas' budget carrier, will serve the Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Brisbane from Western Sydney International Airport. Other international carriers, such as Qatar Airways, Fiji Airways, and Vietjet Air, are expected to join in the coming years.

The airport's construction has the potential to boost economic growth and create jobs in western Sydney, an area often overshadowed by Sydney's harbor and central business district (CBD). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the airport's significance, stating that it marks a wonderful new chapter for Australia and will drive economic opportunities and jobs to the region.