Sydney’s long-awaited second major airport is edging closer to reality. After years of construction and planning, Western Sydney International, located at Badgerys Creek, is now in its final stretch with the terminal complete and preparations underway ahead of its planned 2026 opening. Touted as a major addition to the city’s aviation network, the airport is expected to both ease pressure on Kingsford Smith and reshape how travellers move in and out of Sydney. The next major milestone for the airport has now been revealed, with the first passenger flights confirmed to begin later this year. Here’s what we know so far.
Which airlines will fly from Western Sydney Airport?
Passenger flights are slated to begin later this year, with a small group of launch airlines already locked in. The first services will mark the airport’s official entry into commercial travel, with initial routes expected to roll out in stages as operations ramp up. More details around schedules and destinations are expected closer to launch, but the first major carriers have now been confirmed.
Four major airlines have signed on as launch partners: Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Jetstar are among the first confirmed to operate from the airport, spanning both domestic and international services. Additional airlines will be announced closer to launch.
Cargo operations are expected to begin earlier, in July 2026, ahead of the first passenger services.
When will flights start from Western Sydney Airport?
Passenger flights are expected to begin in October 2026, marking the public debut of the airport’s passenger operations. From there, services are expected to grow steadily from the new hub.
By 2030, the airport is forecast to add more than 200 extra flights a day to Sydney’s aviation capacity.
Will Western Sydney Airport operate 24 hours a day?
Kingsford Smith’s longstanding curfew has shaped how and when Sydney flies for many years. In contrast, Western Sydney International will be curfew-free and operate 24/7, opening the door to red-eye departures and early morning arrivals and giving travellers more flexibility when booking.
More details around routes and ticket sales will be revealed closer to launch. Keep an eye on the latest updates on the Western Sydney International website.