On time performance for domestic airlines departures for Sydney airport has dipped slightin in 2012, with 82 per cent departing on time and 80 per cent arriving on time, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and regional Economics (BITRE).

According to the report, 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 report has added more fuel for the debate for the construction of a second airport to service Sydney.

“The reality is that without extra aviation capacity through a second airport, delays at Sydney Airport are set to grow,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese said.

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,” Mr Albanese said.

“The solution to handle the expected growth in aviation is simple—Sydney needs a second airport.”