Western Sydney International Airport will welcome its first passengers on October 25, with Jetstar launching services to the Gold Coast and Air New Zealand flying to Auckland.
The City Desk is a contributing writer covering city and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will welcome its first passengers on 25 October 2026, marking a major milestone for the government's investment in Western Sydney. The airport will open for freight flights on 27 July, with passenger services beginning two months later.
Jetstar will operate the first passenger flights, with services to the Gold Coast starting on 25 October. The airline will also operate regular flights to Melbourne and Brisbane. Air New Zealand will begin flights to Auckland on 26 October, and Singapore Airlines will start daily services to Singapore on 23 November. Qantas Freight will begin regular cargo services from 27 July.
From 1 November 2026, Western Sydney International is intended to become Sydney's airport for overnight freight movements, in line with arrangements under the Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995.
The project has created more than 12,800 jobs, with roughly half of those jobs going to local workers. More than $500 million has been invested in 360 Western Sydney businesses during construction. The airport is a major part of the government's investment in Western Sydney, which includes road upgrades and the future Sydney Metro Airport connection.
The NSW Budget has allocated $5.5 billion for Western Sydney roads, including $1.0 billion for the first stage of the Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade between Liverpool and the new airport. The project is expected to improve connections across the region, support local jobs and businesses, and help grow the Western Sydney economy for years to come.
The airport's opening represents the culmination of a decade-long planning process. The facility is designed to serve Sydney's growing demand for air travel and freight, particularly in the rapidly expanding Western Sydney region. The future Sydney Metro Airport connection will provide rapid rail access to the CBD.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts confirmed the opening dates in a media release on 11 June 2026. The airport is expected to handle significant passenger volumes from day one, with international carriers already committed to the schedule.
The aerotropolis surrounding the airport is already attracting significant private investment. With the airport opening in seven weeks, the focus now shifts to ensuring transport links and supporting infrastructure are ready to serve the first wave of passengers.
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