An international gateway for Western Sydney
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is a major national infrastructure project designed to meet Sydney’s long-term aviation needs and support growth across Western Sydney. Construction began in September 2018 and the airport will soon become operational, with cargo operations expected to begin from July 2026 and passenger operations from October 2026.
With demand for flights set to double over the next 20 years, the airport will help Sydney meet its growing aviation needs and provide a source of jobs and economic growth in Western Sydney and across Australia.
WSI will operate curfew-free to deliver international and domestic passenger and freight services.
Delivering the airport
The government is delivering WSI through the government-owned company WSA Co Limited (WSA). The airport site at Badgerys Creek was purchased by the Commonwealth in the 1980's, and planning restrictions have been in place for many years to prevent residential development in the areas surrounding the airport.
WSA was formally established on 7 August 2017 to deliver and operate the airport, and is governed by an independent board.
Construction of WSI commenced on 24 September 2018, when major earthworks began at the 1,780 hectare site, in what would become Australia’s largest civil earthmoving project outside of the mining sector.
Over the years we have seen this project shift from an earthworks project, to a construction project with the construction of a 3.7 kilometre runway, the Nancy-Bird Walton Terminal, a purpose-built Cargo Precinct and Business Precinct.
In June 2025, construction of the airport's runway and terminal building were completed, the focus is now on testing of the airport’s systems and preparing for operations, ahead of the airport's opening in the second half of 2026.
While WSA is responsible for delivering and operating the airport, the department will continue its regulatory oversight of the project and ensure compliance with conditions in the Airport Plan.
Community and partners
WSI will attract investment in business in Western Sydney, ranging from manufacturing and logistics to hospitality, education and other professional services. It will enable businesses to have quicker and more convenient access to overseas markets and provide better accessibility to destinations across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport metro railway, jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government, will connect communities and travellers with the new airport and the growing region.
As the region grows, the airport will support Western Sydney's success on the world stage.
