The first inaugural flights from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) have been officially announced. The Nancy-Bird Walton Airport, named after one of Australia's pioneering female aviators, is set to open its doors on October 25 after more than 15 years of planning. Jetstar will make history as the first commercial passenger flight to depart from the airport, with flight JQ362 heading to the Gold Coast at 11 am.
First Carriers Announced
Jetstar joins Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand as the first carriers to operate out of WSI. The airline will run up to 14 flights per week from the new airport to Melbourne, four weekly flights to the Gold Coast, and three weekly flights to Brisbane.
Qantas passenger flights are scheduled to commence on March 28, 2027, with four flights per week to both Melbourne and Brisbane. However, Qantas will be one of the first commercial airlines to fly from the airport when its inaugural freighter service takes off in July.
Inaugural Flight Details
WSI Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey expressed excitement, stating: "Mark your calendars, as the countdown is officially on to welcome our inaugural passengers to Sydney's new state-of-the-art terminal when the very first commercial passenger flight takes off for the Gold Coast on Sunday 25 October." He added, "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."
Air New Zealand will begin flights to Auckland on October 26, while Singapore Airlines will start daily, non-stop flights to Changi on November 23.
A Major Milestone for Australian Aviation
Western Sydney International Airport is Australia's first major international greenfield airport in more than 50 years, having been under construction for the past seven years. Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson called it a "major milestone for Australian aviation" that has been "years in the making." She said, "We're incredibly proud that Jetstar will be the first Australian airline to begin operations at Western Sydney International Airport and Qantas will follow early next year."
The group has launched special fares for Qantas and Jetstar flights from WSI from Wednesday, with one-way economy fares available from $59 on Jetstar to the Gold Coast and from $99 (economy) or $299 (business) on Qantas to Melbourne and Brisbane. All Qantas fares include meals and baggage.
Challenges Ahead
Not all is smooth flying for the new airport. Last year, the federal government promised to commit $1 billion towards a rail network between Sydney's southwest and the new airport. However, passengers will initially need to drive, as the metro-link, proposed to open on the same day as the airport, has been delayed until 2028.
Protests over the new airport have also dampened celebrations, with locals voicing concerns about noise pollution from the airport's 24-hour, no-curfew flights and environmental impacts on the Blue Mountains National Park. More than 25,000 flights are expected to fly in and out of the two runways annually, and the airport is projected to service about 10 million passengers annually by 2031.
