On time performance for domestic airlines dipped slightly in 2012, with 82 per cent of domestic flights departing on time and 80 per cent of flights arriving on time.
The latest data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) shows on-time performance in 2012 is below the long term average since collection of these statistics commenced a decade ago.
In 2012, Sydney Airport’s on-time departures were below the national average, with 80.5 per cent of flights departing on time compared to 84.7 per cent for Melbourne and 82.0 per cent for Brisbane.
The reality is that without extra aviation capacity through a second airport, delays at Sydney Airport are set to grow.
The number of flights delayed by 15 minutes or more at Sydney is predicted to double by 2025 and continue to rise so that by 2035 almost half of all flights (48 per cent) will run late and the flow on effects will be felt in other cities.
Four out of every 10 flights within Australia are in and out of Sydney Airport. As the hub of the national aviation network, when Sydney is disrupted, the whole network is disrupted.
For more and more people, this means being stuck at the airport or in the air, rather than at work or with their families.
The solution to handle the expected growth in aviation is simple – Sydney needs a second airport.
The costs of not acting are substantial.
If a second airport is not built, our national economy will suffer as congestion grows and flights and economic investment are turned away.
A second airport will bring economic benefits to local communities, NSW and the nation by creating thousands of jobs and unlocking billions of dollars in investment.
Domestic airline on time performance – 2012 is available at www.bitre.gov.au.