First look inside Western Sydney Airport that will “leave a legacy for years to come”

The 24-hour airport is expected to welcome its first domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026. Four airlines have confirmed their plans to operate out of WSI: Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand — though the latter won’t arrive until 2027.

It’s fairly small scale compared with the more than 50 airlines that fly in and out of Sydney Airport in Mascot, but it’s a start. And a huge leap forward for Western Sydney too; it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime project”, according to construction firm Multiplex’s Regional Managing Director David Ghannoum, and “has created a new world-class gateway to Sydney for domestic and international travellers”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, WSI CEO Simon Hickey and other senior representatives celebrated this major milestone earlier today, as we got a first look inside the brand-new airport.

Inside Sydney’s second global airport

A design competition was run in 2019, with London-based architecture leaders Zaha Hadid Architects and Australia’s COX Architecture selected to develop the initial concepts.

WSI’s new terminal draws on the region’s natural beauty, blending sustainable design principles and innovative technology to create a seamless experience for both airlines and their passengers. Sustainability and the region’s natural beauty and First Nations culture and history are all vital to the design.

WSI is on the precipice of launching a seamless and stress-free airport experience unlike any other in Australia, giving our global city a 24-hour international gateway that will continue to create significant economic opportunities for all of Greater Sydney.

— Simon Hickey, CEO at WSI

Located 44 kilometres from the CBD, Sydney’s new airport in Badgerys Creek looks out over the surrounding Blue Mountains. The views are reflected in the feature ceiling, and sandstone that was sourced from the Central Coast has been used extensively throughout the terminal. “Visitors will be welcomed by the stories of Dharug country that will connect the world with more than 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture while also highlighting the vibrant communities of Western Sydney,” said Hickey.

Outside, the terminal’s façade is climate-responsive. In an effort to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint, more than 6000 solar panels have been pitched to its roof, and rainwater will be collected and recycled through the airports bathrooms, irrigation and cooling towers.

Both domestic and international gates are under the same roof, allowing for simple and speedy connections. No shuttle bus or trains needed here!

David Ghannoum describes WSI as “a highly impactful piece of infrastructure that will leave a legacy for years to come.” If this first look is anything to go by, we can see what he means.

While major construction of the WSI terminal is complete, the fit-out of the terminal’s retail precinct and airline lounges will take place over the coming months.

Western Sydney Airport

Where: Luddenham and Badgerys Creek, NSW 2745
Opening date: late 2026.

How to travel there

Sydney’s new Metro network will be extended to Western Sydney Airport, as the Australian Government has committed up to $5.25 billion to the project. There will be two stations at the airport, one at the integrated international and domestic terminal and another at the on-site business park.

The Metro line only operates between Tallawong and Sydenham at the moment, but the extended airport line will open in time for the airport’s official opening next year.