The new Western Sydney International Airport has the capacity for more than 80 million passenger movements annually. (EPA Images pic)SYDNEY: Sydney's new A$5.6 billion (US$3.94 billion) airport opened to passengers on Sunday after more than a decade of planning, in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said was a milestone for the country's most populous city.

The new Western Sydney International Airport ​in Badgerys Creek, about 60km west of central Sydney, will ⁠operate 24 hours a day, giving airlines access to a fast-growing and ethnically diverse ​population centre.

The current airport, located closer to Sydney's central business district, can host takeoffs and landings only until 11pm and after 6am, limiting airline scheduling options relative ​to other major Australian cities like Melbourne.