Image: Rob.au / Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0 | Brightness and colour adjustments made. Adapted image licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Sydney is about to get a second major international airport, with Western Sydney International Airport welcoming its first commercial passengers on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
After more than 15 years of planning and seven years of construction, the new airport is finally ready to begin passenger operations, offering another option for Australians travelling domestically and overseas.
The airport will operate 24 hours a day, with Jetstar operating the first passenger flight on Sunday, followed by Air New Zealand's inaugural international service on Monday.
But while the new airport promises more travel options, there are a few important things passengers should know before booking, particularly when it comes to transport connections and getting to the right airport!
Western Sydney International Airport Opens on 25 October
Officially known as Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, the new facility is located at Badgerys Creek, approximately 45 kilometres west of Sydney's CBD.
The airport is named in honour of pioneering Australian aviator Nancy-Bird Walton, who became one of Australia's youngest licensed female pilots in 1933.
The first commercial passenger flight is scheduled to depart at 11am on Sunday, 25 October, with Jetstar flight JQ362 heading to the Gold Coast.
Initially, the airport will have capacity for up to 10 million passengers annually, with plans for expansion as demand increases.
Unlike Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, which operates under an overnight curfew, Western Sydney International has been designed to operate around the clock.
That means airlines will have greater flexibility to schedule early morning, late-night and overnight services.
Image: Rob.au / Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0 | Image licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Which Airlines Will Fly From Western Sydney Airport?
The airport will begin operations with a relatively small selection of domestic and international services, with additional airlines and destinations being introduced over time.
Jetstar will operate the first flights, connecting Western Sydney with Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Air New Zealand will launch the airport's first international passenger service on Monday, 26 October, connecting Western Sydney with Auckland.
Singapore Airlines is scheduled to begin daily flights between Western Sydney and Singapore from 23 November 2026, providing connections to destinations throughout Asia, Europe and beyond.
Qantas will follow on 28 March 2027, with QantasLink services to Melbourne and Brisbane.
Looking further ahead, Qatar Airways has also announced plans to introduce flights between Western Sydney and Doha from December 2027.
While the initial selection of destinations is limited, the airport is expected to attract additional services as passenger numbers grow.
For international travellers, Singapore and Doha will be particularly useful connections, opening up access to extensive global airline networks.
Getting to Western Sydney Airport: No Direct Train Just Yet
One of the biggest considerations for travellers will be getting to and from the new airport.
Although a dedicated Sydney Metro connection is under construction, the rail line won't be operating when the airport opens.
In the meantime, passengers will have several transport options.
Free Shuttle Bus From St Marys Station
Transport for NSW is introducing a free WSI Link bus service connecting St Marys railway station with the airport.
The service will operate every 30 minutes, with buses running from 4.30am until midnight Sunday to Thursday, and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
The buses will have dedicated luggage storage and wheelchair accessibility.
Passengers travelling from other parts of Sydney can catch a train to St Marys and transfer to the airport bus.
Other Bus Services
Five additional bus routes will connect the airport with major Western Sydney centres, including Penrith, Mount Druitt, Liverpool and Campbelltown.
These services will operate approximately every 30 minutes between 5am and 10pm daily.
Unlike the St Marys shuttle, normal public transport fares will apply.
Driving, Parking and Rideshare
Passengers travelling by car will be able to access the airport using the new M12 Motorway, which connects with Sydney's wider motorway network.
The M12 is toll-free, although connecting motorways may charge tolls.
The airport will have parking facilities, passenger drop-off areas, taxi ranks and dedicated rideshare pick-up zones.
For families travelling with luggage, driving or arranging a transfer may be more convenient than using multiple public transport connections.
However, it's worth comparing the total cost of getting to the airport before assuming a cheaper airfare will necessarily mean a cheaper trip.
Travellers can check current public transport options through Transport for NSW.
Sydney Now Has Two Major Airports – Check Your Booking Carefully
With Western Sydney International beginning operations, passengers will need to pay closer attention to which Sydney airport appears on their booking.
The two airports have different codes:
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SYD – Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, located at Mascot.
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WSI – Western Sydney International Airport, located at Badgerys Creek.
The airports are a considerable distance apart, and travelling between them can take significant time depending on traffic and transport arrangements.
This will be particularly important for passengers booking connecting flights separately.
For example, arriving at Western Sydney International and departing from Kingsford Smith later the same day could require a lengthy transfer across Sydney.
Travellers should also check airport locations when booking accommodation, airport transfers and parking.
The cheapest flight isn't always the most convenient option, particularly if it involves travelling across Sydney to reach the terminal.
Australia Introduces a New Digital Arrival Declaration
Western Sydney International will also become the first Australian airport to introduce the new web-based Australia Travel Declaration.
From Monday, 26 October, eligible international passengers arriving at Western Sydney will be able to complete their arrival declaration online instead of filling out the traditional paper Incoming Passenger Card.
The system allows travellers to submit their immigration information and customs and biosecurity declarations up to 72 hours before their arrival flight.
Once completed, passengers receive a QR code to present during the arrivals process.
The online form can be completed using a phone, tablet or computer, and families can submit their information together.
Importantly, the digital declaration is free, and paper Incoming Passenger Cards will remain available for travellers who prefer them.
The system doesn't remove Australia's customs and biosecurity requirements. Travellers must still accurately declare food, plant material, animal products and other restricted items.
The Australian Government plans to progressively introduce the web-based declaration at other international airports and seaports over the next 12 to 18 months.
That means cruise passengers returning to Australia could eventually benefit from the same digital process.
For now, the web-based declaration is specifically available for flights arriving at Western Sydney International. Travellers arriving at other Australian airports should continue following the arrangements applicable to their flights.
More information is available through the Australian Border Force's official Australia Travel Declaration page.
Will Flying From Western Sydney Airport Be Cheaper?
One of the big questions for travellers is whether the new airport will offer cheaper flights.
Increased competition and additional airport capacity could eventually help create more options for passengers, but there's no guarantee that flights from Western Sydney will be cheaper than those from Kingsford Smith.
Airfares will continue to depend on the airline, destination, travel dates and demand.
Travellers will also need to consider the cost of reaching the airport.
For passengers living in Western Sydney, the new airport could offer substantial convenience by reducing the need to travel across the city.
However, those living closer to Sydney's eastern suburbs, the CBD or other parts of NSW may find Kingsford Smith more practical.
It's worth comparing both airports when booking, rather than assuming one will always offer better value.
A Major New Chapter for Australian Aviation
The opening of Western Sydney International represents one of Australia's most significant aviation developments in decades.
For Western Sydney residents, it promises easier access to domestic and international travel, along with new employment and business opportunities.
For the wider travelling public, it introduces another airport to consider when planning flights, holidays and international connections.
There will inevitably be a settling-in period as airlines begin operations, transport connections develop and passengers become familiar with the new facilities.
But with the first flight departing on Sunday and international services beginning the following day, Sydney's newest airport is finally ready to welcome travellers.
Would you consider flying from Western Sydney International, or will Kingsford Smith remain your preferred Sydney airport?
