Rumours about Sydney’s second international airport started to circulate more than a decade ago, and now – after years of planning, building, hoop-jumping and route-mapping – Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is approaching take-off.
According to the Western Sydney International (WSI) team, this month marks a major milestone in the ramp-up to opening day, with the airport launching its operational readiness program. Wondering what that means? Essentially, a full-scale dress rehearsal for the airport’s grand debut. Over the coming months, teams will put every corner of the new terminal and wider precinct through its paces, running simulations, stress-testing systems, and fine-tuning the details that will make WSI one of the most advanced airports in the Southern Hemisphere.
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“This is the moment where we start switching everything on,” explained WSI Chief Operating Officer Matt Duffy, who’s been overseeing the mammoth preparations. “Decades of planning, years of construction and millions of work hours have got us here – and now it’s about putting all of those new systems and services through their paces.”
From baggage handling belts to biometric check-ins, the high-spec systems that will keep the 24-hour airport running smoothly are now being trialled. Staff will be trained in simulated scenarios – from smooth-sailing departures to emergency drills – ensuring they’re ready for anything by the time the first passengers arrive in the second half of 2026. “It’s about building skills and experience in a safe, controlled environment,” Duffy explains, “so our team can respond effectively when the real thing kicks off.”
Of course, an airport isn’t just about terminals and technology – the sky above it needs testing, too. That’s where the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) comes in. Last week, a twin-engine Cessna Conquest took to the skies above Western Sydney, carrying out flight path safety checks to confirm that WSI’s approach procedures are spot-on. These kinds of test flights will ensure everything from lighting systems to obstacle charts are accurate, meaning pilots will have crystal-clear guidance as they come in to land.
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“The CASA safety checks are an important part of our aerodrome certification requirements,” Duffy says. “They’re also a great example of the close collaboration between WSI and the critical agencies that will support our operations once we’re open.”
It’s not the first time a plane has graced WSI’s brand-new runway – the airport welcomed its inaugural test flight in October 2024, lighting up the airfield for the very first time. But this week’s operations mark the start of something much bigger. Next up? A full-scale emergency exercise, which will see the first 737 jet land on the runway as hundreds of emergency service personnel and federal agencies take part in a simulated aircraft incident.
All of this is pretty big news, not just for residents of Western Sydney. When it officially opens its doors to domestic, international, and cargo services next year, WSI is set to transform how travellers move through the city – easing pressure on Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and connecting Western Sydney to the world.
For locals, that means shorter commutes, new jobs, and a direct line to global destinations. For visitors, it means a faster, more seamless entry into one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions (and beyond, via new motorway and metro networks linking the airport with the rest of the city).
You can learn more and stay up-to-date on Australia’s newest airport over here.
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