For decades, Sydneysiders have relied on a single major airport to connect Australia’s largest city with the rest of the country and the world. That is set to change later this year, when the long-awaited second airport in the city’s west begins welcoming passengers for the first time. The project has been years in the making, involving extensive planning, construction and testing, and is expected to play a major role in shaping the future of air travel across Sydney and NSW. Now, a major milestone has been reached, with Western Sydney International confirming when its first commercial passenger flights will take off. Here’s what travellers need to know.
When will Western Sydney International Airport open?
Western Sydney International has confirmed it will officially open to passengers on October 25, marking the start of regular commercial services from Sydney’s newest airport. The first scheduled departure will be a Jetstar flight to the Gold Coast, with tickets now available for travellers looking to escape the cold.
Once operational, the new aviation hub is expected to welcome millions of passengers annually, providing an alternative gateway for domestic and international travel. Freight operations will get underway first, with dedicated cargo services set to commence in the lead-up to the passenger launch.
Which airlines will fly from Western Sydney International?
Four airlines have so far confirmed services from Western Sydney International, with both domestic and international routes set to launch in the months following the opening. Jetstar will operate flights to Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, while Qantas is scheduled to begin services to Melbourne and Brisbane from March 2027.
International services are also set to launch, with Singapore Airlines preparing to introduce daily flights to Singapore and Air New Zealand set to commence services to Auckland. Unlike Sydney Airport at Mascot, the new airport will operate without an overnight curfew, giving airlines greater flexibility to schedule flights around the clock.
How will passengers get to the airport?
A series of major road upgrades have already been delivered around the precinct, including improvements to Elizabeth Drive, Mamre Road and Fifteenth Avenue, alongside the recently opened M12 Motorway, which provides a direct connection to the airport. However, public transport options will initially be limited. A rail link connecting Western Sydney International to the broader Sydney network remains under development and is not expected to be ready when the airport opens. In the meantime, passengers will need to rely on other options like private vehicles, taxis, rideshare services and bus connections.
More airlines and destinations are expected to be announced as the airport prepares to welcome its first passengers later this year. Keep up to date with the latest announcements, flight information and airport updates on the Western Sydney International website.
