Transport Minister Anthony Albanese is renewing his call for a second Sydney airport, arguing national productivity will suffer if another site is not found.

Mr Albanese has hit back at NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell who has reportedly ruled out a second Sydney airport on the grounds that the community should not be "contaminated" by more aircraft noise.

"There is an absolute need for a second Sydney airport, sooner rather than later" ... Anthony Albanese. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr O'Farrell is against proposed second sites at Badgerys Creek and Wilton and is suggesting there should be an express rail link to an expanded Canberra airport instead.

"There is an absolute need for a second Sydney airport, sooner rather than later," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney, calling for a bipartisan approach to the issue.