Western Sydney International Airport began passenger operations on Sunday, October 25, with a Jetstar flight to the Gold Coast, adding a second major airport for the Sydney region.

ABC reported that the first commercial departure, JQ362, took off shortly before 11:30 a.m. local time. The Australian government’s opening-day release had scheduled the Airbus A320 flight for 11 a.m. Australian Eastern Daylight Time.

The airport at Badgerys Creek operates around the clock. Reuters reported a project cost of A$5.6 billion and noted that cargo services had already begun in July.

Domestic and international passengers share one terminal. The government said the first international departure, to Auckland, would follow Monday, October 26; the opening-day departure was a domestic service.

The opening follows 15 years of planning, seven years of construction and a year of testing, according to the government. Further airline services are expected to ramp up over time.

Sources: Australian infrastructure minister’s October 25 opening-day release; ABC’s opening-day reporting; Reuters, October 25.

Editorial illustration of an airport departure lounge marking Western Sydney’s passenger opening.