Sydney opens US$4 billion second airport with few flights

AI Summary

Sydney has opened Western Sydney International, a A$5.6 billion second airport located about 50 kilometres from the city centre. Its commercial outlook is uncertain, with only a handful of airlines committed and few scheduled flights so far.

After more than half a century of political procrastination, environmental protests and funding shortfalls, Sydney finally has a second airport. But the new A$5.6 billion (US$4 billion) site’s commercial prospects are already in question. Western Sydney International, 50km (31 miles) inland from the city centre, will handle its first passenger flight on Sunday – a Jetstar service to the Gold Coast. But the facility has attracted only a handful of airlines and has half a dozen or fewer scheduled...