An international gateway for Western Sydney
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) commenced passenger operations on 25 October 2026, following the commencement of cargo operations on 26 July 2026. The first passenger flight departed WSI for the Gold Coast, followed by the first international passenger service to Auckland on 26 October 2026.
WSI is a major new gateway for Sydney, increasing aviation capacity and supporting jobs, investment and economic growth across Western Sydney.
With demand for flights set to grow significantly over the next 20 years, WSI will provide additional aviation capacity to help meet Sydney’s long-term needs.
WSI operates curfew-free, supporting international and domestic passenger and freight services.
Delivering the airport
The government delivered WSI through the government-owned WSA Co Limited (WSA). The Commonwealth purchased the airport site at Badgerys Creek in the 1980s, with planning restrictions put in place to prevent residential development in areas surrounding the airport.
WSA was 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 with major earthworks at the 1,780 hectare site, which became Australia’s largest civil earthmoving project outside the mining sector.
The project progressed from major earthworks to construction of a 3.7 kilometre runway, rapid exit taxiways, the state-of-the-art terminal, and a purpose-built cargo precinct.
Construction of the airport's runway and terminal was completed in June 2025, followed by operational readiness activities and testing ahead of cargo operations.
While WSA is responsible for operating the airport, the department will continue its regulatory oversight under the Airports Act 1996 and monitor compliance with conditions in the Airport Plan.
Connecting people and businesses
For people across Western Sydney, WSI will provide greater choice and more convenient access to domestic and international air travel. A growing range of airline services will connect business and leisure travellers to destinations across Australia and around the world, making it easier to travel for work, holidays and to visit family and friends.
WSI will attract business and investment to Western Sydney across a range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, education and professional services. It will give businesses more convenient access to international markets, while improving connections 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.
