Australia’s first major new international airport in more than 50 years begins passenger operations, with Jetstar launching domestic flights and international airlines preparing to expand connectivity from Western Sydney.
Australia’s first major international airport in more than half a century has officially opened, with Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) welcoming its first passengers and launching a new phase in the country’s aviation development. Jetstar is operating the airport’s inaugural domestic flights, marking a milestone expected to expand travel options, increase capacity and provide round-the-clock connectivity for Sydney.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, and NSW Premier Chris Minns for the airport’s official opening.
Western Sydney Welcomes a New Aviation Gateway
Hickey described the airport’s launch and first passenger flight as a historic moment for Western Sydney and the thousands of people who contributed to developing the facility.
“For decades, countless people have advocated for an airport in Western Sydney and the social and economic benefits it would provide. Today, that ambition will become a reality as we mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our city’s cultural heartland,” he said.
He added that the airport would bring international opportunities closer to local communities while supporting employment and economic growth across the region.
“WSI is the most transformational piece of infrastructure our nation has seen since the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It brings the world closer to Western Sydney and opportunity closer to home, creating new meaningful jobs for generations to come. Young people growing up in the West can now look to the sky and see their future is bright and right here, in their own backyard.”
Jetstar Launches Inaugural Domestic Flights
Passengers travelling on Jetstar’s first domestic services, JQ365 to the Gold Coast and JQ375 to Melbourne, will experience a terminal designed around modern aviation technology and passenger convenience.
Domestic and international gates are located under one roof, while check-in, baggage handling and airfield systems are designed to support efficient operations for both passengers and airlines.
Hickey said WSI had been developed to grow with Sydney, offering greater choice to travellers and airlines while connecting more people with destinations and opportunities.
He added that passengers would be able to access more than 250 destinations worldwide through the airport just over a year after opening, as its network develops.
Government Highlights Jobs and Economic Benefits
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the airport’s opening represented a milestone decades in the making and recognised the contribution of Western Sydney communities and the workers involved in the project.
“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,” Albanese said.
He thanked the thousands of workers who helped deliver the project and highlighted its potential to create jobs, support local businesses and improve travel options for future generations.
Catherine King said the opening was a significant moment for Western Sydney, its residents, economy and industries. She also highlighted the imminent launch of international services, with the first international flight scheduled to depart for Auckland the following day.
Designed for 24-Hour Operations and Future Expansion
WSI opens with capacity to accommodate up to 10 million passengers annually and has been designed to expand as demand grows. Over time, the airport is expected to develop into a major national gateway, with planned capacity exceeding 80 million passengers per year.
Its 24-hour operating model is intended to add capacity to the Sydney aviation market and give airlines greater flexibility to introduce services and routes. For travellers, this could mean more options in departure times and destinations.
The airport is located in Western Sydney, a region described as Australia’s third-largest economy and home to approximately one in 10 Australians, representing more than 170 ancestries.
Passengers can access the airport through public bus links, taxis, rideshare services, car rentals and on-site parking. Newly upgraded roads, including the toll-free M12, provide road connectivity to the terminal.
Cargo Operations Already Underway
The opening of passenger services follows the commencement of operations at the WSI Cargo Precinct on 27 July. Since then, the facility, described as Sydney’s only dedicated 24-hour aviation cargo hub, has supported more than 1,000 flight movements carrying goods for consumers and businesses across New South Wales.
The cargo operation forms part of the airport’s wider role in supporting freight movement alongside passenger services.
Airlines Outline Plans for Western Sydney
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the airport would bring low fares closer to residents in Western Sydney, reducing the need for some travellers to cross the city to reach an airport.
“This is a historic day for aviation in Australia, and we’re proud to bring more choice and low fares to Western Sydney. 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,” Tully said.
Air New Zealand Chief Operations Officer, Ground and Inflight, Kate Boyer, said the airline was proud to become the first international carrier to connect Western Sydney with New Zealand, supporting travel for families, businesses and tourists.
Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific Foo Chai Woo said the airline looked forward to welcoming customers at WSI from 23 November, bringing its international services and passenger experience to the new gateway.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said Jetstar’s inaugural flight marked an important moment for the group and Australian aviation. Qantas plans to begin passenger flights from the airport in March, building on its existing freight operations.
Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thanh Son congratulated the airport on its opening and said the airline expected to launch services to and from Western Sydney in January 2027, ahead of Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebrations.
Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Paul Scurrah said the airline planned to begin direct services to Nadi from March 2027, providing Western Sydney residents with easier access to Fiji and supporting connections with the region’s Fijian community.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Hamad Al Khater also welcomed the airport’s opening, noting that the airline’s planned services would expand access to international travel and create opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange. Qatar Airways expects to launch flights to WSI in December next year.
The opening establishes Western Sydney International as a new addition to Australia’s aviation infrastructure. As domestic services begin and international airlines prepare to enter the market, the airport’s future growth will depend on route development, passenger demand and its planned expansion.
