Construction on Western Sydney Airport‘s (WSI) international terminal is now complete, marking Sydney’s first major airport development in over 100 years — and its only 24-hour airport. Set to open its doors in 2026, WSI is located approximately 44 km from the Sydney CBD in Badgerys Creek, just 35 minutes from Kingsford Smith Airport, the country’s busiest. The terminal is designed to handle up to 10 million passengers annually and spans four levels. However, the airport is set to grow significantly over time, with plans to eventually accommodate up to 82 million passengers a year. Here’s everything you need to know about the major infrastructure project.
Western Sydney International Airport is now complete
The terminal, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and COX Architecture, is now complete — six years after first getting the green light. Unlike Sydney’s current airport, which has an overnight curfew, Western Sydney Airport will run 24/7 when it opens. Both international and domestic flights will operate from a single terminal, with airlines like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand already on board.
One of the distinctive features of the new airport is its layout and design, which is meant to alleviate stress and anxiety often associated with airports and air travel. From its light-filled, visually calming interiors to its goal of getting passengers from touchdown to terminal in under five minutes, the space has been built for comfort and efficiency.
Other standout features include a 12,000-foot runway — long enough to handle any commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A380, and a direct rail link connecting the airport to Sydney’s broader transport network.
WSI is set to open for domestic, international, and air cargo services in late 2026, with a new city centre taking shape a stone’s throw from the airport. Keep up to date with all the developments here.