Western Sydney International Airport will begin freight operations on 26 July 2026, three months before the airport welcomes its first passengers.
The Federal Government has confirmed the opening timeline for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, with Qantas Freight to begin regular flights to and from the new airport from the evening of 27 July.
The new 24-hour airport will provide international, domestic and freight services, with its curfew-free operating model expected to support Sydney’s overnight air cargo capacity.
In line with the Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995, 1 November 2026 has been determined as the intended gazettal date for WSI to be open for night aircraft movements.
This will have the effect of ending currently permitted overnight freight flights at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport during the curfew period, except in emergencies or where special dispensation applies.
The shift is expected to strengthen WSI’s role as a dedicated freight gateway for Sydney, particularly for time-sensitive cargo and supply chain operators requiring access to overnight air freight services.
The airport will be supported by new cargo and business precincts, as well as major infrastructure upgrades across Western Sydney, including the future Sydney Metro Airport rail connection and upgrades to Elizabeth Drive, Fifteenth Avenue and Mamre Road.
The Federal Government says the airport forms part of a near $18 billion investment in Western Sydney, building on the recent opening of the M12 Motorway.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says the airport’s new cargo and business precincts will support jobs and activity across the region.
“With the new Nancy-Bird Walton Terminal, and brand-new cargo and business precincts readying to open, this won’t just be the centre of travel in Western Sydney, but also jobs,” Catherine says.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the airport follows more than a decade of planning and delivery.
“In 2011, I commissioned a joint study with the NSW Government into how we’d deliver a second airport. I said at the time, it wasn’t ‘a matter of if Sydney needed a new airport, but when’,” Anthony says.
“15 years later, this new airport is almost ready to open.
“I want to thank the tens of thousands of people who over the years planned, built and are now testing Western Sydney International Airport and the surrounding infrastructure right here in Western Sydney.”
The WSI project has created more than 12,800 jobs, with around half of those jobs going to local workers. More than $500 million has also flowed to more than 360 Western Sydney businesses during major construction works.
Passenger services will begin on 25 October 2026, with Jetstar to operate the airport’s first commercial passenger flight to the Gold Coast. Air New Zealand will begin flights to Auckland on 26 October 2026, while Singapore Airlines will commence daily flights to Changi from 23 November 2026.
Qantas will begin passenger services from WSI from 28 March 2027.
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