Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) at Badgerys Creek is scheduled to begin passenger services on October 25, 2026. The airport, located approximately 44–45 km west of Sydney's central business district, will operate 24 hours a day, without the 11pm–6am curfew that applies to Sydney Airport at Mascot.
"The announced services are a starting point, with availability expected to grow." — Simon Hickey, WSI Chief Executive
Timeline of Operations
- Freight operations begin on July 26, 2026, with Qantas Freight starting regular flights from July 27.
- Passenger services commence on October 25, 2026. The inaugural commercial flight, operated by Jetstar, is scheduled to depart for the Gold Coast at 11am on an Airbus A320.
- International services: Air New Zealand flights to Auckland begin on October 26, 2026. Singapore Airlines will operate daily flights to Changi from November 23, 2026.
- Qantas is reported to begin flights from March 28, 2027 (per Source 1) or March 2027 (per Source 2).
The airport is expected to serve up to 10 million passengers annually.
Airlines and Routes
- Jetstar: From October 25, 2026, up to 14 weekly flights to Melbourne, 4 weekly to the Gold Coast, and 3 weekly to Brisbane. Source 2 reports a combined 21 weekly services across these three destinations.
- Qantas: From March 2027, plans 4 weekly flights to Brisbane and Melbourne.
- Singapore Airlines: Daily flights to Changi International Airport from November 23, 2026.
- Air New Zealand: Flights to Auckland from October 26, 2026.
Infrastructure and Transport
Road upgrades have been completed at Elizabeth Drive, Fifteenth Avenue, Mamre Road, and the M12 Motorway.
A planned metro link, originally intended to open alongside the airport, may be delayed until 2028, according to NSW Premier Chris Minns. The federal government has committed $1 billion towards a rail corridor connecting Leppington, Bradfield, and Macarthur to WSI. The final cost of the metro project may exceed the contracted price.
Economic and Project Background
The state government reports the WSI project has created over 12,800 jobs, half from the local area. The airport was approved in 2017, after decades of discussion dating back to the 1980s.
"I commissioned a joint study into a second airport when I was a minister in 2011." — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"The launch is a major moment for Australian aviation." — Qantas Chief Executive Vanessa Hudson
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the announcement would make it easier for people to visit Queensland.