98. Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport – Australia
Year of construction: 1920s (Land Acquired)
Risk factors: Noise pollution
Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport is located south of the central business district in Sydney, Australia. The airport was the site of much criticism in the 1980s and 1990s, though that has appeared to die down as the years have gone on. The airport was acquired in the 1920s, and it wasn’t until the 1960s that two gravel runways were set down and paved.
Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport, Australia @SkyNation85 / Pinterest.com
The airport grew a lot during the ‘80s and ‘90s, and the two intersecting runways were a hazard. Noise pollution was also a problem (and still is). Though the runway issue was resolved when a new one was paved in 1994, there is still a curfew on the airport to cut down on noise pollution.