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Last Updated 28th August 2026
Sydney is scheduled to open a brand new airport to passengers on the 25th October 2026, after decades of planning.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, also known as WSI, will be Sydney’s first 24-hour airport. Think more gates, more flight options and speedier services. WSI will serve the greater Sydney region, alongside the current Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), the latter being based close to the Sydney city centre.
So if you’re googling flights to Sydney and wondering why there are two airport codes, let’s break it down. Here’s everything you need to know about WSI airport. 🌞✈️
So far, WSI’s confirmed line-up will be Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Jetstar. This won’t be right away, but instead will be spread over several months for a smooth transition. Here are the anticipated dates:
More airlines and flight options, both for international and domestic journeys, are very likely to be announced over the next year. Popular airlines, such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, have been cleared for flights with exact dates to be confirmed.
According to Western Sydney Airport, it will be able to cater for up to 10 million passengers per year upon opening.
The airport is expected to reach its ultimate capacity of 82 million annual passengers by 2063, which rivals the scale of London Heathrow today: one of the busiest airports in Europe.
It’s up to you! Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is likely to continue being the more popular option for international arrivals for the immediate future. The number of airlines and routes serving Western Sydney Airport (WSI) will increase over the coming years.
As soon as WSI is fully operational and flights begin, deciding which airport ultimately comes down to your preferences regarding airlines, routes, and the arrival and departure times.
It's also worth noting that Western Sydney Airport has been future-proofed for long-term expansion.
It’s unlikely. In the event of your flights changing, it is your airline’s responsibility to notify you in advance.
It’s always worth double-checking your flight booking before your travels to make sure you know which airport you are arriving at.
Western Sydney and the city of Sydney are different areas, but both belong to the greater Sydney region located in the state of New South Wales.
Western Sydney refers to a large metropolitan area that is slightly inland. Western Sydney Airport (WSI) itself will be located in a suburb called Badgerys Creek. Driving journey times from WSI to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) are estimated to take between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport’s (SYD) central location is the exception, not the rule. International airports require large amounts of land and airspace, and WSI's layout can fulfil those demands.
There are a few ways you can travel from Western Sydney Airport to Sydney’s city centre, with more options to come in 2027.
Free shuttle services are set to run every 30 minutes between Western Sydney Airport and St Marys train station. From there, you can take a direct train to Sydney Central Station.
New bus services have also been introduced and are running every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm daily. These are going to and from WSI to the following locations: Penrith, Leppington, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Mount Druitt.
Car journeys are another option, with driving times estimated at 45 to 90 minutes (depending on traffic). This is via the toll-free M12, connecting to Sydney’s motorway network.
The Sydney Metro extension, created specifically to serve Western Sydney Airport, is set to open in 2027. This will provide an easy connection to key transport hubs like St Marys train station, where you can take a direct train to Sydney Central Station.
Sydney is Australia’s number one travel destination. For decades, there has been a huge demand to open a second airport. The opening of Western Sydney Airport (WSI) will help meet that and take the weight off Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). You’ll see more domestic and international routes directed through WSI over time.
Unlike SYD, which operates on a strict night curfew, WSI will be open 24 hours. That means airlines will have complete flexibility with their flight schedules, perfect for long-haul journeys and seamless cargo deliveries. And most importantly… It also means 24-hour food, coffee, and shopping! 🛍️
Fun fact: Western Sydney is Australia’s third-largest economy. Its huge financial and social growth makes it the perfect time to open a new airport, supporting both local and international arrivals.
Right now! Being able to say you were one of the first-ever passengers to fly to or from Western Sydney Airport is definitely bragging rights. This airport has been in the works for decades and is set to have a huge positive impact on Sydney’s tourism.
To search for flights arriving into or departing from Western Sydney Airport, just make sure you add the correct IATA airport code (aka the three following capital letters: WSI).
Better yet, leave it with the experts! Our partners, Flights 360, can help arrange a quote for your travels to the new airport.
So if you’re looking for a sign to finally explore the East Coast? This is it. Hop on over to our Australia tours. Who knows, maybe we’ll see ya on the flight! 🦘
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