New runway, new rules: A second airport benefits more than just Sydney

Passenger operations from Western Sydney International Airport begin Sunday, offering south-eastern Australia a new alternative to Sydney’s long-standing Kingsford Smith airport. In theory, competition should pressure prices downward, especially because the two airports are managed by different entities. The article notes that FlixBus is already serving the new airport, which could force Kingsford Smith’s rail links—run by Airport Link Company—to reconsider its “station access fee.” A machine-bought off-peak Central Station to the domestic terminal ticket costs $24.20, including $19 for the “gate pass.” The new airport is also notable for having domestic and international terminals side by side and for running 24 hours, unlike Kingsford Smith’s curfew from 11pm to 6am.