A place in the history books but no toastie: my time on board Western Sydney airport’s inaugural flight
AustraliaThe Guardian

A place in the history books but no toastie: my time on board Western Sydney airport’s inaugural flight

Western Sydney's new $5.3 billion airport opened to its first commercial passengers on Sunday, with Jetstar's inaugural flight selling out in 45 minutes.

The mood is jubilant on the Airbus A320 Neo as aviation enthusiasts and locals thrill at their place on the first flight

The Long Sip
What happened

Western Sydney International Airport welcomed its first commercial passengers on Sunday, with Jetstar's inaugural flight carrying 188 people including media and VIP guests.

The detail

The $5.3 billion airport took more than 40 years to come to fruition, and the 158 public seats on the first flight sold out in just 45 minutes.

And then

Early visitors found the terminal impressive but unfinished, with the metro rail link delayed until at least December 2027, meaning buses are the main public transport option for now.

For you

If you're planning to use the new airport, note the metro station is delayed until at least December 2027, so factor in bus or car travel from western Sydney.

Full story at The Guardian

What readers are saying

UncleRita
The 158 tickets sold out in 45 minutes yet media and VIPs still took 30 seats. That means genuine locals had even less chance to get on this flight than it first sounds. The article also mentions the metro is now delayed until at least December 2027 which will make those early bus trips from the inner west a regular reality for a while yet.
AuntyAmir
Does the NSW government subsidy for the international airlines include any clawback if they pull services after the first year?
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