Dhaka, Oct. 25 -- Sydney's new A$5.6 billion ($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 60 km (37.3 miles) 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.

"For the first time in more than 50 years, Australia...