Sydney Airport marked today the completion of the international terminal's $500 million expansion works as airport chairman Max Moore-Wilson expressed confidence that the upgraded facilities would afford tourists grander travel experience as they pass through Australia's largest city.

Mr Moore-Wilson said that the fresh look of the terminal's departure hall should leave visitors with a positive impression of Sydney, "the city being Australia's most important tourist destination and this upgrade provides a high standard travel experience for passengers."

Sydney Airport currently services up to 45 percent of the country's international passengers, which Mr Moore-Wilson said is now "one of the most important single pieces of infrastructure in Australia."

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese has affirmed that the terminal was significant not only for Sydney but also for the country as well, calling the city as the gateway to Australia. He added that "this airport is a vital artery for the Australian tourism industry, as well as our wider economy."

In addition, Mr Moore-Wilson said that the airline industry is positive to the government's strong policy commitment of 'more liberal air rights regime', saying that "airlines should be able to operate services in line with consumer demand and they should be free to fly where the passengers want to go."

In a related development, Mr Albanese said that the government is set to introduce a legislation amending the Airports Act, which should improve community consultation on airport developments.

He said that the government is anticipating air traffic congestions in the coming year, which could curtail the economy growth of Sydney if its airport capacity is not upgraded, as he revealed that "this is what the Rudd government is planning right now and we look forward to constructive discussions with all key stakeholders in this nationally important project."

Citing the latest master plan of the terminal, Sydney Airport chief executive Russell Balding said that their facilities should be able to handle the 79 million travellers projected to pass through the airport over the next 20 years.