With 80% of the project now complete and its first international airline secured, Western Sydney Airport is on track to open in late 2026.
Western Sydney Airport (WSI) is one step closer to reality following the completion of its roof, paving the way for the acceleration of its internal fit out.
According to a new statement, more than 80% of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is now complete, with domestic, international and air cargo services expected to commence from the gateway from late 2026.
Located at Badgerys Creek, 50 kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD, WSI will initially be equipped to handle up to 10 million passengers per annum, but could become Sydney’s biggest gateway in the long-term, potentially welcoming more than 80 million annually.
“Completion of the roof represents important progress for the project as it weather-proofs the building, allowing for the acceleration of internal works like the feature ceiling, departure areas, lounges and retail space,” said a statement issued on behalf of Australia’s Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, the country’s Minister of Finance, Katy Gallagher, and Werriwa MP, Anne Stanley.
“More than 100 workers, including many Western Sydney locals, helped build the roof over the past 18 months – part of a broader workforce of around 3,500 people bringing WSI [Western Sydney International] to life each day.
“WSI also continues to support domestic manufacturers, with the new roof structure bolstered by more than 40 kilometres of Australian-made steel purlins and more than 3,500 tonnes of steelwork, primarily fabricated between Adelaide, Whyalla, Tamworth and Orange. “More than 6,000 solar panels will be affixed to the roof to help power terminal operations and the broader airport.
“WSI is a transformational infrastructure project that will generate economic activity, provide employment opportunities for people in the Western Sydney region, and meet Sydney’s growing aviation needs.”
King personally added: “The countdown is well and truly on – it won’t be long until the people of Western Sydney will be flying out of their brand new 24-hour international airport.
“I’m excited to witness the latest construction progress, especially the completion of the terminal roof, which is the culmination of about 18 months hard work by more than 100 tradespeople, many of whom are Western Sydney locals.
“The project has also shown strong support for domestic manufacturers – with steel for the roof sourced here in Australia. The airport has also invested more than half a billion dollars with hundreds of western Sydney businesses since construction began in 2017.”
Singapore Airlines to serve Sydney gateway
Singapore Airlines has become the first international carrier to announce that it will fly to Sydney’s new 24-hour airport.
The new A$5.3 billion Western Sydney Airport (WSA) secured the major overseas carrier following discussions about the airport’s future functionality, customer experience, sustainability, operational efficiency, and mutual commercial opportunities.
WSI CEO, Simon Hickey, said at the heart of this arrangement – the first with an international airline for WSI – was recognition of the airport’s unique scheduling opportunities that airlines, like SIA, will be able to harness in the future.
“This inaugural international airline arrangement is a fantastic milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and reflects the positive response we’ve had from airlines, especially in regard to the unprecedented opportunities our 24-hour capability unlocks,” noted Hickey.
Hickey said Western Sydney International Airport was focused on delivering a smooth and simple experience for its customers, underpinned by the latest technology, which was another major drawcard for Singapore Airlines.
“Our combined international and domestic terminal will give Singapore Airlines customers a seamless transfer experience, while our state-of-the-art baggage system and efficient design, including five-minute taxi times on the tarmac, means passengers will be able to get on their flight faster and relax and enjoy the award-winning service on board,” added Hickey.
Singapore Airlines will join Qantas and Jetstar at WSI following their commitment to operating domestic services from the new airport. Indeed, the Qantas Group plans to operate up to 15 narrowbody aircraft from WSI within a year of its 2026 opening.
Goal to be world class shopping venue
The airport recently invited retailers who had successfully completed in an extensive registration of interest process to tender to become WSI’s duty-free retail partner.
Hickey said: “We’re excited to be building an airport in Sydney’s cultural heartland that can be a destination in its own right, and we want to collaborate with retailers that champion customer engagement and provide a distinctive experience that reflects the region in which we’ll be operating.
“While construction of the airport has been forging ahead, this announcement also shows we are building up momentum in important commercial offerings as we move closer to opening our doors from late 2026.” WSI’s general manager for retail, Glyn Williams, is leading the planning and design of what will soon become a premier shopping and dining experience for Western Sydney.
“The tender is a rare opportunity for a duty-free retailer to join a spectacular new shopping destination that will put Western Sydney on the map,” remarked Williams.
“We are focused on delivering a premium experience, providing access to world renown brands whilst incorporating a localised flavour.”
WSI will have around 7,000 square metres of leasable retail space for customers to enjoy. This includes 40+ retail stores, and more than 2,200 square metres of duty-free space within the international terminal.
Tenders for other categories including foreign exchange, travel essentials, general retail, food and beverage and vending are among those that will be undertaken in the next 12 months.
WORLD BUSINESS PARTNERS play key role in development of airport
The initial design concepts for WSI were by Zaha Hadid Architects (London, UK) and Cox Architecture (NSW, Australia) with final design and construction by Multiplex (Australia).
However, a host of ACI World Business Partners (WBPs) from the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East region and around the globe are involved in the design and development of Western Sydney International Airport.
They include ADB SAFEGATE (turnkey airfield lighting solution); Airbiz (designated airport planner on the project, led by Multiplex and supported by Arup and Woods Bagot); Amadeus (strategic systems technology partner to co-create the digital passenger experience); Bechtel (project delivery partner); and Vanderlande (baggage handling system).