Air New Zealand’s inaugural international arrival marks a new milestone for Sydney’s 24-hour airport, expanding travel options between Western Sydney and New Zealand while introducing a fully digital arrivals declaration process.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has welcomed its first international passengers, with Air New Zealand flight NZ165 arriving from Auckland. The milestone comes just one day after the airport officially opened and received its first domestic passengers, marking the start of international operations at Sydney’s new 24-hour global gateway.
The aircraft is scheduled to make its return journey across the Tasman as flight NZ166, opening a new chapter in connectivity between Western Sydney and New Zealand. The service will give travellers greater choice and flexibility when visiting New Zealand, alongside onward connections across Air New Zealand’s domestic and international network.
24-Hour Operations Expand International Connectivity
WSI CEO Simon Hickey welcomed the arrival of the airport’s first international passengers, highlighting the opportunities the new facility creates for airlines and travellers.
“Kia ora to our friends across the Tasman and a very warm welcome to Sydney’s new global gateway. Together with our valued partners at Air New Zealand, Western Sydney is now off taking off to the world,” he said.
Hickey noted that the airport’s round-the-clock operations would give airlines greater flexibility to connect with global hubs while offering travellers more options for international journeys.
Western Sydney is home to approximately 2.5 million people representing more than 170 ancestries. Residents frequently travel overseas for business and to visit family and friends, making the region a significant potential market for international airlines. The airport is expected to add aviation capacity and competition while providing a modern, digitally enabled passenger experience.
Government Highlights Regional Growth Opportunities
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said Western Sydney International Airport had begun operations strongly, adding that further growth was expected.
“Western Sydney International Airport has hit the ground running, and it’s only going to get bigger and better from here,” she said.
King also confirmed that the airport would launch its first direct flights to Singapore the following month, with additional connections across the Pacific and Southeast Asia expected to follow next year.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper described Air New Zealand’s arrival as an important milestone for the region, with the route expected to support tourism, business activity and local employment.
“The arrival of the first Air New Zealand flight into Western Sydney is a significant milestone for the region, opening the door to more visitors, new business opportunities, and local jobs,” Kamper said.
He added that the direct connection would help promote Western Sydney internationally and strengthen New South Wales’ visitor economy. The NSW Government partnered with Air New Zealand and WSI to secure the route through the $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, established in 2025 to attract international flights and generate economic benefits for the region.
Air New Zealand Strengthens Australia-New Zealand Links
Air New Zealand Chief Operations Officer, Ground and Inflight, Kate Boyer said becoming the first international airline to land at WSI was a rare moment in aviation history.
“It’s not every day you get to be part of opening a brand-new international airport, let alone be the first international passenger airline to land there. We’re excited to be part of this historic milestone,” she said.
Boyer highlighted the close relationship between Australia and New Zealand, noting that the new service would improve access to New Zealand for Western Sydney residents while creating opportunities for tourism, trade and business across both countries.
She also pointed to Auckland’s role as a gateway to destinations across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, supported by Air New Zealand’s domestic and regional network.
Digital Arrivals Process Introduced at WSI
Passengers arriving on Air New Zealand’s inaugural international services are among the first to experience WSI’s international terminal, designed to provide a seamless and efficient airport journey.
The airport is also the first in Australia to open with a fully digital arrivals declaration process under the Federal Government’s new Australia Travel Declaration (ATD). The system offers a digital alternative to the traditional paper Incoming Passenger Card.
International passengers can submit customs, immigration and biosecurity information electronically before landing. The process is intended to simplify arrivals and improve efficiency, allowing visitors to begin their Australian journey sooner.
The arrival of Air New Zealand’s Auckland service marks the beginning of WSI’s international operations, with additional routes expected to expand the airport’s connectivity across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
