Qantas boss says second airport is vital for the future of Sydney and Australia

Despite the resistance from Premier Barry O’Farrell, plans to build a second airport are vital for Sydney and should commence immediately, Qantas chief executive officer Alan Joyce said.

Mr Joyce has called upon the federal government to push forward with the construction of a second airport at Badgerys Creek with or without the Premiers support, The Australian reported.

The Qantas boss said moving ahead with a second airport is vital for Sydney and that already passengers and airlines are being inconvenienced due to the peak hour rush at Sydney Airport.

“I think this has got to the stage now it just can’t go much longer,” Mr Joyce said.

“What's really good about it is the national government and national opposition are all fully supportive of it at federal level, so I would hope we can push ahead and make progress with the federal government and opposition.

“That's probably the only way we can proceed."

The comments from the Qantas Boss will undoubtedly add more pressure on Mr O’Farrell, who has persistently objected supporting a second airport.

"I don't think (Mr O'Farrell's) position makes sense," Mr Joyce said.

 "I don't think Canberra works as an alternative, it's too far away, it's over 280km away.

“I come from Ireland, where Ryanair takes pleasure in finding secondary airports miles away from airports in the city but I don't even think Ryanair would go 280km away."

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese insisted that the Federal Government required the help from NSW.

“The federal government is determined to do everything we can to plan for a second Sydney airport,” Mr Albanese said.

A report drawn up by federal and state governments identifies the need for a second airport and reveals that Sydney Airport will reach capacity by 2030.