Way back in 2014, the Federal Government committed to transforming a greenfield site on the western outskirts of Sydney into a huge international airport. Now, building work on the new Western Sydney International airport (WSI) is more than 90 per cent complete, and it’s on track to open in late 2026. Curious? Us too. So, we reached out to the team for the lowdown and got an exclusive behind-the-scenes scoop on what to expect at Sydney’s shiny new airport.
Why is Sydney getting a new airport?
As one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world (recently ranked number one for winter sunshine, and among the very best cities in the world for 2025), Sydney is an in-demand place to be, so making our city more connected is pretty crucial for the city’s economy. As well as providing a boost to our tourism industry, a new all-hours airport will help connect Sydneysiders with the world – especially those living in Western Sydney. According to a spokesperson from WSI, the population of Western Sydney is set to reach about 3.2 million over the next decade; and with a population comprising 170 different ancestries, a well-connected airport is vital (the average Western Sydney resident is estimated to take 2.6 international trips per year).
Where is Sydney’s new airport?
The Western Sydney International airport is being built in the Sydney suburb of Badgerys Creek, approximately 41-kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD. Access to this corner of Sydney will become a lot easier once the airport is open, with the toll-free M12 motorway directly into WSI currently under construction, and the the new connecting stretch of the Sydney Metro is also well on track (pardon the pun).
What is the name of Sydney’s new airport?
Some city development trivia that’s worth being across – the new airport’s full name is Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI). The first part is self-explanatory, with the name in brackets an homage to a pioneering Aussie aviatrix (female pilot), Nancy-Bird Walton. When she got her pilot’s license in the 1930s, she was the youngest Australian woman to gain a pilot's license, and went on to become known as “the angel of the outback” for her work transporting medical staff to regional areas in NSW.
When will the new Sydney airport open?
According to a spokesperson from WSI, the new airport is on track to open in late 2026 – with key domestic and international airline partners already signed, the runway almost complete, and the terminal looking “spectacular”. Now, the business and cargo precincts are being completed, and work on constructing the connecting metro line and huge neighbouring city is well underway.
How big is the new Sydney airport?
When it opens, WSI is set to be able to accommodate 10-million passengers every year – with plans to grow in line with Western Sydney’s growing population. With capacity to expand and an already-approved 24-hour licence (fun fact: Sydney’s existing airport works on a curfew to reduce noise pollution for residents), WSI is set to eventually become Sydney’s largest airport, handling more than 80-million passengers every year (a similar size to London’s Heathrow).
Which airlines will fly from the new Western Sydney airport?
So far, it’s been confirmed that Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airlines will fly in and out of WSI. These are the first official domestic and international partners of the airport, with Qantas committed to operating up to 15 aircraft and around 25,000 domestic flights a year from the airport within the first year of opening. Additional airlines will be announced as WSI reaches completion, with the speedy transfer time between international and domestic flights (both of which will be housed under one roof) likely to make this a popular connection point for travellers arriving from overseas and Sydneysiders heading out of the country.
What will the new Sydney airport look like?
According to a spokesperson from WSI, the team has been “walking alongside” First Nations communities and Dharug Elders to ensure that the airport “doesn’t just acknowledge country, but celebrates country – embracing the opportunity to share the stories of the oldest continuous culture on earth with millions of travellers.”
With this in mind, locally-sourced natural materials have been used throughout, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the terminal with light, and key design features (including a huge sandstone feature wall) celebrate Dharug Country and beyond.
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