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Last Updated 28th August 2026
Sydney is scheduled to open a brand new global gateway to passengers on the 25th of October 2026, after decades of planning and years of construction.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, also known as WSI, will be Sydney’s only 24-hour airport. Located in the heart of Western Sydney, home to almost three million residents and Australia's third-largest economy, WSI will offer travellers a new, convenient travel option alongside the State's 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. 🌞✈️
Image credit: Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
So far, WSI’s confirmed line-up will be Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Vietjet, 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.
According to Western Sydney International 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 in the 2060s, which rivals the scale of London Heathrow today: one of the busiest airports in Europe.
It’s up to you! As soon as WSI opens, deciding which airport ultimately comes down to your preferences regarding airlines, routes, and the arrival and departure times, as well as which location is most convenient.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is located closest to Sydney's CBD and is likely to continue being the more popular option for international arrivals for the immediate future. However, the number of airlines and routes serving Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), based in one of the nation's fastest-growing regions, will increase over the coming years.
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 is a large metropolitan area that is home to over 3 million residents. Western Sydney Airport (WSI) itself is located in a suburb called Badgerys Creek. Driving journey times from WSI to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) should take approximately 45 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.
Image credit: Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
There are a few ways you can travel from Western Sydney Airport to Sydney’s city centre, with more options to come.
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 dependent on your final destination and traffic. The airport boasts a toll-free motorway, the M12, on its doorstep, connecting commuters to Sydney's motorway network with zero traffic lights.
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.
Image credit: Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
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. 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.
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! 🦘
Featured image credit: Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
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