Sydney’s new $3.94 billion airport officially opened to passengers on 25 October 2026 after over ten years of planning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referred to the opening as a milestone for the country’s most populous city. Additionally, it adds on to Australia’s growing aviation infrastructure as the country targets to develop modern airport infrastructure and facilities.
Location
The new Western Sydney International Airport in Badgerys Creek, is located roughly 60 km (37.3 miles) west of central Sydney. Furthermore, it will operate 24 hours a day. This will give airlines access to a fast-growing and ethnically diverse population centre.
The current airport is located closer to Sydney’s central business district. Additionally, it can host takeoffs and landings only until 11 p.m. and after 6 a.m., limiting airline scheduling options relative to other major Australian cities like Melbourne.
“For the first time in over five decades, Australia is opening a major new airport. It is a milestone that has been years in the making,” Albanese said in a statement.
“I’m very proud to officially open it,” he said.
Qantas’, budget arm Jetstar was due to operate the first outbound flight to the Gold Coast on Sunday. This was revealed by the airport said in a statement.
Passenger Capacity
The airport has capacity for over 80 million passenger movements annually, it said.
The start of passenger services comes after cargo flights commenced at the facility in July.
Land Area and Timeline
The airport is located on a 1,780-hectare (4,398-acre) site that was purchased by the federal government in the 1980s. The airport was completed in July 2025 after a seven-year build and 15 years of planning.
Western Sydney International Airport Factsheet
Official Name: Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
IATA Code: WSI
Location: Badgerys Creek, NSW (approx. 60 km west of central Sydney)
Total Investment: A$5.6 billion
Total Site Area: 1,780 hectares (4,398 acres)
Operating Model: 24/7 continuous operations (no overnight noise curfew or flight caps)
Key Dates and Timeline
- Site Acquisition: 1980s (Federal Government)
- Planning Phase: 15 years (Formal site selection in 2014)
- Construction Start: September 2018
- Major Construction Completed: July 2025
- Cargo Operations Start: July 2026
- Passenger Operations Start: October 2026
Capacity and InfrasInfrastructure Details
- Opening Capacity (Stage 1): 10 million annual passenger movements
- Ultimate Capacity: Over 80 million annual passenger movements (by full scale development)
- Runway: Single 3.7 km (12,139 ft) asphalt runway capable of handling wide-body commercial jets
- Cargo Precinct: Initial capacity of 75,000 m² of warehousing, boosting Sydney’s overall air freight capacity by 33%
Launch Airlines and Key Operational Details
- Inaugural Outbound Flight: Jetstar (to Gold Coast)
- Confirmed Carrier Partners: Jetstar, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, VietJet Air, Fiji Airways, Qatar Airways
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