I took the first flight from Sydney’s new airport. Here’s what happened
by Madeleine Bower · Australian Financial ReviewMadeleine BowerNSW political correspondent
Oct 25, 2026 – 6.20pm
It was a historic departure from an airport more than 40 years in the making. A who’s who of the political and business communities gathered to wave off the inaugural Jetstar JQ362 flight to the Gold Coast. The fully booked flight was packed with aviation enthusiasts eager to be part of history, and I joined them for the occasion.
I generally dislike airports. They are places where things always go wrong – flights are delayed and bags are lost. Would the new Western Sydney International Airport break the mould?
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Madeleine BowerNSW political correspondentMadeleine Bower is The Australian Financial Review’s NSW political correspondent.
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