The Gold Coast has welcomed the first-ever passenger flight to depart from the new Western Sydney International Airport on a historic day for Australian aviation.
Big crowds turned out in Sydney on Sunday morning for the milestone moment, with Western Sydney the country’s first major airport in more than 50 years.
A packed Jetstar flight JQ362 was the inaugural service to depart the new facility, bound for the Gold Coast.
It departed slightly later than its scheduled departure time of 11 am AEDT, landing just a few minutes late at Coolangatta around 11.30 am Queensland time.
“Today is a historic day not only for the Gold Coast and Western Sydney, but for Australian aviation,” Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said.
“Gold Coast Airport was the fastest-growing major airport in Australia last year, and being chosen as the very first destination from Western Sydney International Airport is another significant milestone for our airport and a strong vote of confidence in our region.
“The Sydney-Gold Coast corridor is one of the busiest aviation routes in the country, carrying more than 2.6 million passengers annually, with passenger growth outpacing seat availability over the past year.
The new flights between the Gold Coast and Western Sydney will add an extra 131,000 seats every year.
Christopher Grant was among the lucky passengers on the inaugural flight.
“To be on the inaugural flight is absolutely fantastic. I’m buzzing. I’m so excited,” Mr Grant said
Passengers on board the inaugural flight from Western Sydney airport to the Gold Coast. Image: Supplied
