WSI opening date revealed as Jetstar to fly first passenger service

QantasLink and Jetstar were the first airlines to sign on at WSI in 2023, with Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand also set to fly from the new airport.

“This is a big moment for Sydney, with passenger flights at Western Sydney Airport commencing in just 137 days,” said Federal Transport Minister Catherine King.

“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.”

Jetstar will initially operate up to 14 return Melbourne flights per week, as well as four per week to the Gold Coast and three per week to Brisbane. QantasLink will begin operating from the airport 28 March 2027, with four E190 flights per week to each of Melbourne and Brisbane.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said Jetstar is proud to be part of “a major milestone for Australian aviation” as the first domestic airline to operate from WSI.

“We’re excited by the potential of Western Sydney International Airport to spur local tourism and make aviation more accessible for millions of people in Western Sydney, who currently have to travel to Kingsford Smith to catch a flight,” she said.

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“Jetstar has an incredible history of growing new markets and being the first airline to launch will give one of the country’s fastest growing regions better access to low fares to some of our most popular destinations.

“We know there’s growing demand for customers in Western Sydney and we’re proud to be working with Gold Coast Airport and Tourism and Events Queensland to make our services to South East Queensland a reality.

“WSI will also become a key hub for Qantas Freight, with more than 850 tonnes of freight expected to move through our new terminal each week helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries.”

The opening of WSI and its “state-of-the-art terminal” will offer more options to passengers on the east coast, said airport CEO Simon Hickey.

“These Qantas and Jetstar services will give Western Sydney’s frequent business and leisure travellers more choice and flexibility to fly from Sydney’s new 24-hour gateway to some of our nation’s most popular east coast hubs, with flight expected to grow over the years ahead,” he said.

“Despite the ongoing global conflict that continues to challenge the industry, today’s domestic ticket launch is another vote of confidence in Western Sydney International Airport, and the opportunities this rapidly growing region presents for the future of air travel in Greater Sydney.

“We’re also delighted to welcome Qantas Freight to our integrated 24-hour Cargo Precinct from Monday 27 July, which will help boost our city’s air cargo capacity and ensure people get critical goods more efficiently while supporting businesses to grow and reach new global markets.”

According to Hickey, the cargo precinct will officially open a day before the first flight, on 26 July, with trial flights touching down earlier in the month to test the new precinct.

“Both exporters and importers will benefit from our integrated Cargo Precinct’s 24-hour capacity, dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road, and proximity to key freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and developing industrial sites across the Aerotropolis.”

Air New Zealand will operate the first international flight from WSI on 26 October, with Singapore Airlines to fly daily to Changi from 23 November.