Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has officially opened, with Jetstar operating the first flights at the airport.
Jetstar operated domestic services to the Gold Coast and Melbourne on October 25. The new 24-hour airport then welcomed its inaugural international passengers on October 26 with the arrival of an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland.
The airport – Australia’s first new major international airport in more than half a century – has opened with capacity for up to 10 million passengers a year. This is expected to to increase to more than 80 million annually over time. WSI will operate 24 hours a day. The terminal has domestic and international gates under one roof, and WSI says it uses modern check-in, baggage and airfield technology.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey was joined by prime minister Anthony Albanese, minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government Catherine King, and NSW premier Chris Minns for the official opening.
“WSI is here to grow with Sydney for the coming century, expand choice for travelers and airlines, and connect more people with more places and opportunities,” Hickey said. He added that passengers will have access to “more than 250 destinations around the globe just over a year from now.”
Albanese said, “For the first time in more than 50 years, Australia is opening a major new airport. It’s a milestone that has been decades in the making and one that belongs to the people of Western Sydney.”
King said the first international flight, to Auckland, would leave the following day. Air New Zealand said it was the first international airline to connect Western Sydney with New Zealand.
Other airlines have announced start dates: Singapore Airlines on November 23, Vietjet in January 2027, Qantas passenger flights in March, Fiji Airways to Nadi from March 2027, and Qatar Airways in December 2027.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said, “For many customers, the uber or taxi across the city has been the most expensive part of their trip. From today, for three million people who live in and around Western Sydney, low fares start a lot closer to home.”
Passengers can reach the airport by public bus, taxi, rideshare or rental car, or park on site, using upgraded roads that include the toll-free M12.
The opening follows the start of operations at the WSI Cargo Precinct on July 27. WSI said the precinct is Sydney’s only dedicated 24-hour aviation cargo hub and that it has supported more than 1,000 flight movements since opening.
Related news, Western Sydney International airport debuts First Nations art installations across precinct
