Sydney’s transport systems are getting upgraded, and we’re not just talking about the ones on and under ground. Western Sydney International (WSI) airport is set to open in late 2026, promising a state-of-the-art $5.3 billion aviation hub with 24/7 operations – yes, no curfews like the ones Kingsford-Smith has in place. As construction progresses in Badgerys Creek and the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project remains on track to open by 2027, a key question remains: can WSI attract enough international airlines to make it a global gateway?
Intrigued? We got a sneak peek at the huge new airport.
Despite its round-the-clock operations, WSI faces a significant regulatory hurdle – because it shares the same “primary gateway” classification as Sydney’s existing Kingsford-Smith airport, international airlines that have already hit their cap on Sydney flights aren’t permitted to land at WSI. In contrast, secondary airports like Adelaide and Darwin aren’t subject to these limits – a fact that’s frustrating international carriers like Qatar Airways that have called for reform.
Internationally, only Singapore Airlines has committed to services from WSI and this won’t be enough to establish it as a global player. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Turkish Airlines are all rumoured to be considering WSI since its catchment area aligns well with their core markets – with Western Sydney’s growing multicultural population a key draw for a lot of international carriers. Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways could also benefit from the airport’s round-the-clock operations, enabling smoother onward connections to Europe and the UK.
On the domestic front, Qantas has confirmed it will start off with its QantasLink Embraer E190 regional jets, while its budget carrier Jetstar will operate 10 single-aisle aircraft from its Airbus A320 fleet. While specific routes haven’t been announced yet, services to cities like Melbourne and Brisbane are likely. Translation? Western Sydney residents could save up to two hours on a same-day return trip, making it possible to be home in time for dinner with the family.
Encouragingly, the federal government has promised a review of WSI’s regulatory status a year after it opens, giving hope for more flexible rules in the future. However, many in the aviation industry believe that’s too little too late. Without effective policy changes and better public transport connectivity, WSI risks falling short of its international ambitions. As anticipation builds, the pressure is on for WSI not just to open on time, but to convince international airlines that it’s worth the journey.
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