After years of anticipation, Western Sydney International Airport is finally preparing for take-off, with the first passenger flight scheduled for 25 October 2026 and freight operations beginning three months earlier on 26 July.
Member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander said the milestone would deliver enormous benefits for South West Sydney.
“This project is a tremendous boost for South West Sydney and will deliver economic and transport opportunities for workers and travellers alike,” Dr Freelander said.
The airport, officially known as Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, has been 15 years in the making, including seven years of construction and extensive testing ahead of opening.
Dr Freelander also reflected on a personal connection to the project.
“I am thankful to those involved in this project, including my son who worked on it, and I can’t wait to see it in action!”
The first commercial passenger service will be operated by Jetstar, with an Airbus A320 departing for the Gold Coast at 11am on Sunday 25 October. From launch, Jetstar will also offer services to Melbourne and Brisbane, while Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines will begin international flights shortly after.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the airport represented the culmination of a vision first explored more than a decade ago.
“In 2011, I commissioned a joint study with the NSW Government into how we’d deliver a second airport,” he said.
“15 years later, this new airport is almost ready to open.”
Expected to handle up to 10 million passengers annually, the airport is the centrepiece of the Federal Government’s almost $18 billion investment in Western Sydney, alongside major road upgrades and the future Sydney Metro Airport rail connection.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the opening marked a major milestone for Sydney.
“This is a big moment for Sydney, with passenger flights at Western Sydney Airport commencing in just 137 days,” she said.
Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley said the airport was being backed by the infrastructure needed to support a rapidly growing region.
“The Albanese Government isn’t just delivering Western Sydney’s new airport, but also the infrastructure upgrades it needs as well,” Ms Stanley said.
“Welcome projects for a growing community.”
More than 12,800 jobs have been created during the project, with around half going to local workers. More than $500 million has also flowed to over 360 Western Sydney businesses through construction contracts and supporting services.
Member for Hughes David Moncrieff said the airport would be transformative for the region.
“Western Sydney Airport will be a game-changer for the southwestern Sydney economy,” he said.
“This project will deliver jobs and business opportunities for residents and small businesses across the Macarthur region and Liverpool area.”
Freight services will begin operating from WSI on 26 July, with Qantas Freight commencing regular flights the following evening. Full 24-hour operations will take effect from 1 November 2026, further cementing Western Sydney’s role as a major transport, tourism and logistics hub.
