Australia's first major new international airport in half a century has begun operations, with Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) welcoming its inaugural overseas flight on 26 October. Air New Zealand's NZ165 service from Auckland landed at the Badgerys Creek facility, located roughly 60 kilometres west of Sydney's central business district.
The arrival followed the airport's official opening the previous day, when Jetstar launched domestic passenger services. WSI operates around the clock, a significant advantage over Sydney's existing Kingsford Smith Airport, which enforces a curfew between 11 pm and 6 am, restricting take-offs and landings.
WSI chief executive Simon Hickey described the facility as "the most transformational piece of infrastructure our nation has seen since the Sydney Harbour Bridge." He added that passengers would soon have access to more than 250 destinations worldwide, calling it "a remarkable start for Sydney's new 24-hour gateway."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the opening as a "milestone" that had been "decades in the making." Speaking at the launch, he emphasised the broader economic impact: "This isn't just about a new runway or terminal. This is about jobs, investment and delivering for one of Australia's fastest-growing regions."
What the new airport offers
The single terminal houses both domestic and international gates, with automated check-in and baggage handling designed to streamline passenger flow. Initial capacity stands at 10 million passengers per year, but the airport's master plan envisions eventual expansion to more than 80 million, potentially making it Australia's primary gateway.
Ground transport options include public buses, taxis, rideshares, and rental cars, with drivers able to reach the terminal via the toll-free M12 motorway.
International services are set to expand rapidly. Singapore Airlines will begin daily flights to Singapore on 23 November, followed by Vietjet's Ho Chi Minh City route in January 2027 and Fiji Airways to Nadi in March. Qatar Airways will connect Doha and WSI from 15 December 2027. Domestically, Jetstar operates to the Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with daily Gold Coast services, up to 14 weekly return flights to Melbourne, and three to Brisbane.
The airport is named in honour of Nancy Bird Walton, Australia's first female commercial pilot, a fitting tribute given the facility's ambition to become a global aviation hub.
While the focus is on Australia, the development resonates with European travellers and airlines seeking more flexible scheduling options in the Asia-Pacific region. The 24-hour operation could attract European carriers looking to optimise long-haul connections, similar to how electric flights in Europe are being explored to expand route networks. As WSI grows, it may also influence airport planning debates across Europe, where curfews and capacity constraints are common issues.
