Australia’s busiest airport is Sydney Airport, with more than 35 million annual passengers traveling to both international and domestic destinations. It is officially known as Kingsford Smith Airport and the only major airport to service the city, located 8 kilometres to the South of the CBD in the suburb of Mascot.
Sydney Airport is divided into three terminals, with Terminal 1 servicing international flights, and both Terminals 2 and 3 dedicated to domestic services. There’s also a separate freight terminal located just to the north of Terminal 1. After passing check-in, security and immigration facilities, the Sydney Airport’s concourse is lined with duty-free shops, designer boutiques and gift wares, “Australiana” stores, newsagencies, and currency exchange facilities. There’s also a selection of cafes, restaurants, and bars throughout all three terminals where travellers can relax before flights or during long layovers.
Sydney Airport is connected to the city centre by the Airtrain which travels along the City Circle line into Central Station. The Sydney Buses service 400 between Bondi Junction and Burwood stops at both the domestic and international terminals. Alternatively, travellers can hail a taxi outside the terminals to the city.
Sydney Airport is the oldest commercial international airport in the world, with the first gravel runways built in 1933. The idea to use what had previously been a bullock paddock for aviation purposes was first initiated by former war pilot Nigel Love. He made his first flight from the base in 1920 before the government purchased the land to build a public airfield.