From the Guardian · · 2m
Western Sydney's new airport opens. But will flying from it save you money?
Commercial flights begin this month at Western Sydney International, but fares and transport costs mean savings are not guaranteed.
In brief
Commercial flights begin this month at Western Sydney International, but fares and transport costs mean savings are not guaranteed. Western Sydney International airport opens this month with flights from Qantas, Jetstar, Fiji Airways and others, but fares remain comparable to Kingsford Smith and savings depend on…
Quick answers
- Why build a second airport?
- Western Sydney International complements Sydney Kingsford Smith airport at Mascot, which is constrained by its size and its strict curfew, imposed to limit noise for its inner city neighbours.
- What is the key takeaway from Western Sydney's new airport opens. But will flying from it save you…?
- Western Sydney International airport opens this month with flights from Qantas, Jetstar, Fiji Airways and others, but fares remain comparable to Kingsford Smith and savings depend on where you live and how you travel.
New airport opens this month
Western Sydney International airport begins commercial flights later this month. Qantas, Jetstar, Fiji Airways, Vietjet Air, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines will operate from the new airport.
Why build a second airport?
Western Sydney International complements Sydney Kingsford Smith airport at Mascot, which is constrained by its size and its strict curfew, imposed to limit noise for its inner city neighbours.
Location is far from the city
Western Sydney International is an enormous greenfield development near Badgerys Creek, more than sixty kilometres from Sydney's CBD. For those in western Sydney it may be more convenient, though public transport connections are piecemeal.
Public transport to the airport
A Sydney Metro rail line connecting Western Sydney International to the main rail network at St Marys is due to open next year or in twenty twenty-eight.
Parking is significantly cheaper
Parking at Western Sydney International is significantly cheaper while an introductory discount offer is in place.
Domestic fares are mixed
Jetstar flights from Western Sydney International to Melbourne start at one hundred eighty-seven dollars return, compared with two hundred fifty-eight dollars from Kingsford Smith.
Gold Coast flight offers better timing
One direct Jetstar flight from Western Sydney International to the Gold Coast starts at one hundred thirty-one dollars return, leaving at two ten pm.
International flights favour Kingsford Smith
Kingsford Smith was generally the more affordable option for international flights reviewed. Singapore Airlines flights show a two hundred thirty-five dollars ninety-eight difference between the two airports, making Kingsford Smith cheaper unless you factor in…
Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand routes
Fiji Airways begins thrice-weekly direct flights from Western Sydney International to Nadi in March. Air New Zealand will start three flights a week to Auckland, with return fares at six hundred two dollars from both…
Vietnam flights still cheaper from Kingsford Smith
VietJet Air begins direct flights from Western Sydney International to Ho Chi Minh City in January.Until then, flights via Singapore cost two thousand two hundred forty-nine dollars eighty-two return.
What to remember
Western Sydney International airport opens this month with flights from Qantas, Jetstar, Fiji Airways and others, but fares remain comparable to Kingsford Smith and savings depend on where you live and how you travel.
