Jetstar takes off from Australia's newest international airport as major concerns remain

Jetstar began flying from Western Sydney International (WSI), Australia’s newest international airport—also known as Nancy-Bird Walton—today, starting commercial service as the site of Sydney’s second international airport. The inaugural departure was scheduled for 11:00am AEDT on an Airbus A320 to the Gold Coast, with a second Jetstar flight to Melbourne at 6:00pm. The first arrival, Jetstar JQ363 from the Gold Coast, was due to land at 3:05pm. From today, Jetstar will offer up to 14 weekly flights between WSI and Melbourne, four weekly to the Gold Coast and three to Brisbane. WSI expects six airlines within six months, including Air New Zealand from tomorrow, Singapore Airlines by Nov. 23, VietJet, Qantas on March 28 and Fiji Airways; Qatar is expected by end of 2027. The opening comes amid scrutiny over public transport access for north-west communities such as Rouse Hill and Kellyville.