Jake Nelson

Australia’s biggest gateway has recorded 12.55 million international passengers so far this year, fuelled by new services and four per cent growth in international seat capacity. It follows a 6.6 per cent year-on-year growth in international passengers for Q3 of 2025 to 4.28 million.

In the airport’s preliminary draft 2026 master plan, it details the move to rename the international terminal as T1 and domestic terminal as T2, with the new terminal – located between the two parallel runways – to be dubbed T3.

The Terminal 2 upgrades will include expanded passenger screening facilities and departure lounges, new self-service check-in facilities, and a larger baggage make-up hall, with design works also underway to expand the southern passenger walkway.

Speaking to media this week, Transport Minister Catherine King said she has “every confidence” that WSI will be able to attract and retain airlines. Currently, QantasLink and Jetstar, as well as Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand, plan to operate passenger services, with Qantas Freight to also fly cargo to WSI.

A twin-engine Cessna Conquest, VH-VEY, was used for test flights to ensure safe and accurate approach procedures, as well as to check that obstacles like trees, towers and buildings are correctly marked on charts for safe navigation.

Speaking to media after the announcement this week of the airline’s sale to US-based aviation group Air T, the transport minister said she “didn’t think Rex would be flying today” had the government not stepped in to shore it up, including buying the lion’s share of its debt and guaranteeing its operations.