WSI opens in 2026 with limited flights

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), also known as Nancy-Bird Walton Airport, will start operating on October 25, 2026. The airport, located in Badgerys Creek, was built with a 5.6 billion Australian dollar investment and is expected to handle commercial flights initially with a modest schedule of about six daily flights in the first year.

Jetstar leads with domestic routes

Jetstar will operate the first commercial passenger flight from WSI to the Gold Coast on October 25, 2026. The airline plans up to fourteen weekly flights to Melbourne, four to the Gold Coast, and three to Brisbane, all using Airbus A320 aircraft. These flights will complement, not replace, existing services from Sydney-Kingsford Smith Airport.

Qantas adds services in 2027

Qantas will begin services from WSI in March 2027, offering four weekly flights to Melbourne and Brisbane. These flights will be operated by QantasLink Embraer E190s. The airline’s services will be added to its current network from Sydney-Kingsford Smith Airport.

Virgin Australia delays plans

Virgin Australia has not scheduled any flights at WSI and is still considering whether to include the airport in its network. Airlines' cautious approach is influenced by factors such as rising fuel costs, Qantas’ reduction in domestic capacity, and difficulties in acquiring new aircraft.

International carriers join WSI

International airlines like Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have announced plans to operate from WSI. Air New Zealand will start flights to Auckland on October 26, 2026, while Singapore Airlines will begin daily flights to Singapore on November 23, 2026, using a large Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

WSI lacks rail link at launch

At its opening, WSI will not have a direct rail link to Sydney’s city center. A shuttle service to the city will cost 55 Australian dollars and take about an hour. This contrasts with Sydney-Kingsford Smith Airport, which is much closer to the business district, potentially affecting WSI’s appeal to travelers.

WSI targets local and international markets

The airport aims to serve the growing population of Western Sydney, where half of the 6.1 million expected residents in Sydney by 2030 will live. With a significant portion of the local population born abroad, WSI may attract demand for family travel to Asia and other international destinations.

Freight operations begin early

Freight operations at WSI have already started, with Qantas A321 freighters landing in July 2024 to test procedures. Regular freight services began on July 27, and a dedicated Qantas Freight terminal is expected to handle over 850 tons of cargo per week, leveraging the airport’s night operations.