Sydney’s brand-new $5.3 billion Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport is set for take-off in late 2026, promising a 24/7, curfew-free travel hub in Badgerys Creek, 41 kilometres west of the CBD. A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed it will stay curfew-free, calls are growing for its regulatory status to be revised so it can attract more international airlines. Speaking at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s airport city summit, Albanese reaffirmed WSI’s 24/7 status but dodged questions about whether the government would ease restrictions on international flights.
Intrigued? We got a sneak peek at the huge new airport.
Unlike the current Sydney Airport in Mascot, which is bound by a curfew stopping flights from 11pm to 6am to minimise noise pollution, WSI has pre-approval to operate around the clock. However, despite its ambitious plans to become a major international hub, it faces a big hurdle – its designation as a primary gateway airport.
Under bilateral flight agreements, foreign airlines that have already hit their cap on Sydney flights won’t be able to land at WSI. Qatar Airways is one of the international carriers caught up in these rules. Secondary airports like Darwin and Adelaide aren’t bound by these laws, leading industry leaders to call for an urgent review of the rules.
WSI is expected to handle 10 million passengers annually, with room to expand significantly in the future. With Western Sydney’s population set to hit 3.2 million within a decade, the new airport hopes to improve accessibility for locals and international travellers alike.
So far, only Singapore Airlines has committed to flying in and out of WSI. Qantas and Jetstar have signed on for domestic flights, with 15 aircraft to be based there, servicing major Australian cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. However, Qantas won’t be able to launch its much-anticipated Bali route – at least, not yet – due to the same restrictions.
The good news? WSI’s status will be reviewed. The next federal government will evaluate its designation after a year of operation, with a growing number of experts and officials pushing for more flexible regulations. While the focus for now is on getting WSI 100 per cent complete, all eyes will be on the 12-month review, which could determine its role on the global stage.
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