If you’re a Parramatta local, you’ll be all too familiar with the frustrations of battling Sydney’s traffic and the queues at Kingsford Smith’s commercial terminals. The more often you fly, the more painfully obvious it becomes that commercial flight just isn’t fit for purpose. Accessing the airport is hard enough, but then you’ve got to arrive three hours before departure, queue to check your bags in, and wait around before you can board.
Private aviation eliminates each of these pain points. We’re talking about no security lines, no delays, no arriving three hours early. It’s pretty incredible how much time you can save by upgrading to a private jet. For Western Sydney residents, the benefits are even more pronounced. So, let’s look at exactly why more Parramatta locals are switching to private aviation without ever looking back.
Local Airports With Private Aviation Capabilities
1. Bankstown Airport (YBK) – 13 km from Parramatta
- Why it’s great for locals: A 20-minute drive from Parramatta, Bankstown is Sydney’s busiest general aviation airport, making it perfect for private jets.
- Facilities:
- Private terminals (FBOs) like Navair Jet Terminal offer VIP lounges, quick security, and instant boarding.
- 24/7 operations (unlike Sydney Airport, which has a curfew).
- Customs & immigration for international private flights.
- Best for: Business travelers, last-minute trips, and those avoiding Sydney Airport’s congestion.
2. Camden Airport (YSCN) – 47 km from Parramatta
- Why it’s worth considering: A quieter alternative to Bankstown, ideal for those heading southwest.
- Facilities:
- Smaller FBO services with quick turnaround times.
- Less air traffic means faster takeoffs and landings.
- Best for: Regional travel, flight training, and leisure flyers.
3. Western Sydney International (WSI) – Opening 2026 (Badgerys Creek, 50 km from Parramatta)
- The future of private aviation in Sydney:
- 24/7 operations—no curfew, unlike Kingsford Smith.
- World-beating private jet facilities, including VIP lounges, customs, and quick boarding.
- Proximity to Western Sydney’s business hubs (Aerotropolis, Parramatta CBD).
- Best for: Business execs, FIFO workers, and international private flights.
4. Sydney Airport (Kingsford Smith) – 33 km from Parramatta
- Private terminals available:
- Jet Aviation & ExecuJet offer luxury lounges, fast-track security, and direct tarmac access 12.
- Best for: When you must fly internationally but still want a premium experience.
Time-Saving With Private Flying and Why More Than Just Skipping Queues
Private flying can save hours per trip. Here’s how:
1. No Long Check-ins or Security Lines
One of the most well-known and obvious time-saving measures associated with private aviation is the lack of lengthy airport procedures. Queuing isn’t even in the vocabulary of private aviation. Simply drive up to the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), enjoy a private check-in and a brief security check, and then walk onto your flight. You don’t need to arrive at your FBO any earlier than 15-20 minutes before your flight departs. That’s already a 2+ hour saving on commercial flights.
2. Direct Flights (No Layovers!)
Commercial airlines often route passengers through major airport hubs, even when it means taking a longer or less convenient path. A typical journey from Sydney to Canberra might involve flying via Melbourne, depending on available schedules. If you get a private jet charter, however, you fly wherever you want, and that’s no exaggeration. You might even be able to land at a regional airport much closer to your end destination rather than flying to a busy international hub out in the sticks.
3. Access to More Airports
can land at significantly more airports than commercial airlines. Australia is home to countless regional and private airstrips that remain off-limits to larger commercial aircraft. The widespread availability of airstrips means you can land closer to your final destination, whether it’s a rural vineyard, a coastal retreat, or a regional business hub.
4. Faster Boarding & No Runway Delays
Boarding a private flight is as fast as it gets. There’s no need to wait while hundreds of passengers shuffle onto the plane with overhead baggage delays and last-minute seat changes. When you fly private, your departure happens on your schedule. It’s also pretty standard for commercial aircraft to sit on the tarmac awaiting clearance, whereas private jets have priority access at general aviation terminals.
5. Higher Cruise Speeds & Altitudes
Private jets are also built for speed and performance. Many modern jets, such as the Gulfstream G700, cruise at speeds of up to Mach 0.925, making them faster than most commercial airliners. Private aircraft typically fly at higher altitudes, often above commercial traffic.
Who Benefits Most from Private Flying?
1. Business Professionals (Especially in Parramatta’s Growing CBD)
Parramatta, often dubbed Sydney’s “second CBD”, is growing into a business destination in its own right. For executives and entrepreneurs based here, time is usually their most valuable asset. Picture this: a CEO with meetings in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra all in one day. Trying to achieve that via commercial airlines would involve multiple layovers, early starts, and a return flight that may not even land until late at night. Private flying, on the other hand, makes this entirely doable. You can depart from Bankstown Airport, fly directly between cities, and be home in time for dinner. The total time saved? Easily six hours or more.
2. Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) Workers
For FIFO workers, especially those living in places like the Hills District, the commute to remote mining or resource sites in WA or Queensland can be brutal. The standard commercial route usually involves flying to Perth or Brisbane, staying overnight, and catching another flight to a smaller regional airport. Private flying cuts out all that hassle. A charter flight from Bankstown or Camden can take them directly to a private airstrip much closer to the worksite, saving a full day of travel.
3. Medical & Emergency Travel
In emergencies, time is often a matter of life or death. Westmead Hospital is one of the country’s top medical facilities, but in some instances, patients need urgent specialist treatment in cities like Melbourne or even overseas in places like Singapore. Medevac services can be arranged through air charter companies and depart from local airports like Bankstown within hours.
So, is Flying Private Worth It for Parramatta Locals?
With Bankstown Airport just down the road and Western Sydney International opening soon, quick, hassle-free travel options have never been better. Yes, it’s more expensive, but as the saying goes, “Time is money.” And for many of us in Parramatta’s fast-paced business community, that trade-off is well worth it.
Next time you’re stuck in Sydney Airport’s security line, ask yourself, “Could those hours be better spent?” If the answer’s yes, maybe it’s time to consider going private.
The above article is paid content, and any information presented should be independently verified before making any decisions as a result of the content. This article does not constitute advice of any kind, nor does it represent the opinions of the website publisher.