‘Slow burn’: Western Sydney Airport’s real challenge awaits after launch
Western Sydney International Airport is set to open, but experts warn that its success will be a 'slow burn' due to passenger reluctance and airline caution. The airport faces challenges from high fuel costs and competition from the established Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
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The launch of a major new infrastructure project in Australia highlights the complexities of aviation economics and regional development.
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Share A A A As the new airport opens in western Sydney, we take a look at how it became a reality. See all stories . Once Western Sydney International Airport opens on Sunday, the true strength of demand for flights from Australia’s newest airport will start to show. But success won’t happen overnight, aviation experts say.
The curfew-free airport is expected to benefit from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport’s limits on capacity. But its growth may be held back by passengers’ unwillingness to try the new hub some 50 kilometres away from Sydney’s CBD, as well as airlines’ reluctance to fly there.
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