On October 25, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) made history, launching its inaugural passenger service – Jetstar flight JQ365 – heralding a new era for aviation in Greater Sydney, nationally, and around the world.
Almost 40 years after the then Hawke government began buying farmland at the Badgerys Creek site, Australia’s first major greenfield international airport in more than half a century is open. But for decades, successive governments, business leaders, community advocates and staunch opponents heatedly debated the need for and location of a second Sydney airport. An upwelling of support eventually emerged, driven by unprecedented economic opportunities for western Sydney, the nation’s third-largest economy.
Gift articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.
