WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL: Preparing of passenger takeoff in October 2026

After years of construction, political debate and plenty of scepticism, Western Sydney International (WSI) is preparing to open for passengers later this year. Cargo flights are expected to commence mid-year

The airport, built at Badgerys Creek and designed to operate 24 hours a day without a curfew, is positioning itself as a destination in itself, and also as an alternative to Sydney International for millions of people living west of the CBD.

The first airlines confirmed for WSI

The Qantas Group has confirmed it will operate from WSI, with both Qantas mainline and low-service alternate Jetstar committing to the new airport. For Qantas, this will include domestic and regional services through QantasLink.

Jetstar is expected to focus on high-volume leisure routes, leveraging its Airbus A320 family fleet. For travellers, that likely means competitive fares on trunk routes and holiday destinations, particularly given WSI’s lower airport charges compared to Sydney’s Kingsford Smith.

On the international front, Singapore Airlines has publicly committed to operating from WSI, making it the first major overseas carrier to do so. A direct link to Singapore Changi immediately gives Western Sydney global reach, with onward connections throughout Asia, Europe and North America. It will also give Singapore Airlines an advantage over Middle Eastern airlines.

Air New Zealand has also signed on, with Auckland services expected. While that may not coincide exactly with opening week, it signals that WSI will compete in the trans-Tasman market.

So where will you be able to fly?

Although full timetables are still being finalised, the early domestic network is expected to centre on Australia’s busiest city pairs. Melbourne and Brisbane are almost certain to be among the first routes, given their traffic volumes and commercial importance. The Gold Coast and other major leisure destinations are also logical early additions, particularly for Jetstar.

Internationally, Singapore will almost certainly anchor the first wave of overseas flights. That single route is strategically significant, as it effectively plugs Western Sydney into one of the world’s most connected aviation hubs from day one.

Why WSI changes the Sydney equation

Unlike Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, WSI will operate without a curfew. That opens the door to late-night departures and early-morning arrivals that are currently restricted at Sydney’s main airport. For passengers, this could translate into more efficient international connections and potentially lower fares as airlines gain scheduling flexibility.

For Western Sydney residents in particular, the new airport dramatically reduces the need to cross the city to start a trip.

Transport links

There are still quite a few unknowns on the transport link front.

The Metro rail link, which connects directly to the airport terminal, is not expected to be ready until 2027 at the earliest. In the meantime, it will be private cars and some interim bus arrangements that will get you there. Not quite as convenient as the Metro.

Free interim buses will connect WSI with the St Mary’s Railway Station interchange from the first passenger flight. These buses are designed to run roughly every 30 minutes between early morning and late evening, giving passengers and airport workers a reliable connection to the wider Sydney train network.

There are some other promised public transport services being talked about, but lets wait until they are confirmed.

2PAXfly Takeout

There are not many surprises here. With the constraints on worldwide aircraft supply, I think airlines are being cautious about this new airport. I predict the surprise flight emergence will be a direct route to Bali and possibly other popular family tourist destinations. Put Fiji in the same bucket.

For international flying, I think this airport will be a revolution for Sydney, especially once the Metro link is operational. Not that this is all about me, although it is. When the Metro link opens, then travelling from my place to WSI, will take almost as little time as getting from central London to Heathrow. That will make it an airport for all of Sydney.

What I really want to know are what are the plans for Qantas to open a WSI First Class lounge.