The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has welcomed yesterday’s announcement that Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) will open to passenger services on 25 October 2026.
The announcement confirmed the official opening date for Sydney’s second international airport, alongside the commencement of freight operations from July 2026 and unveiled that the first scheduled passenger services will be operated by Jetstar.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said the milestone represented a transformational moment for New South Wales’ aviation, tourism and economic future.
“This announcement is the culmination of more than a decade of planning and investment and represents one of the most significant pieces of transport infrastructure delivered in Australia in recent generations,” Ms Osmond said.
“Western Sydney International will provide much-needed aviation capacity for Sydney, strengthen connectivity across Australia and internationally, and unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment across Western Sydney.”
Jetstar’s first commercial flight will depart WSI for the Gold Coast at 11am on Sunday 25 October. From launch, the airline will operate more than 20 domestic services per week, including flights to Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Qantas will commence services from WSI in March 2027, joining Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines among the airport’s launch airline partners.
Ms Osmond said the airport was perfectly positioned to support one of Australia’s fastest-growing economic regions.
“Western Sydney is already home to more than half of Sydney’s population and is one of the nation’s most dynamic economic centres. With Parramatta emerging as Sydney’s second CBD and significant population growth forecast across the region, WSI will be a critical piece of infrastructure supporting that growth for decades to come.”
“The airport will not only provide greater choice and convenience for travellers, it will also strengthen Sydney’s appeal as a destination and create new opportunities for visitors to explore Western Sydney and the many regional communities within easy reach of the city’s newest gateway.”
TTF also welcomed the commencement of freight operations and the broader investment in supporting transport infrastructure.
“Major infrastructure projects like WSI deliver benefits well beyond the airport precinct itself. They create jobs, improve connectivity, stimulate investment and help drive long-term economic growth,” Ms Osmond said.
“As the countdown to opening begins, the tourism and transport sectors look forward to working with the government, airlines, and industry partners to ensure WSI reaches its full potential as a world-class gateway for Australia.”
ENDS