After decades of debate, political wrangling, and more than a few ‘will they, won’t they’ moments, Sydney’s long-awaited second airport is finally taking shape.
Western Sydney International (WSI), set to open its doors in December 2026, is no longer just a pipe dream or a patch of paddocks.
With its runway now complete and a futuristic terminal rising from the earth, the question on everyone’s lips is: will the airlines—and the passengers—actually come?
A runway built for giants
Let’s start with the nuts and bolts. The new 3.7km runway is a feat of modern engineering, built a full metre deep with layers of crushed sandstone (recycled from Sydney’s road tunnels, no less), topped with 140,000 tonnes of asphalt and 73,000 cubic metres of concrete.
It’s strong enough to handle the world’s largest passenger jets, from the iconic A380 to the Boeing 747-8. The terminal, meanwhile, is a gleaming vision of the future, with rows of aerobridges ready to welcome millions of travellers.
But don’t pack your bags just yet. While the airport is looking the part, there’s still plenty of work to be done before it’s ready for prime time.
Getting there: The great western trek
One of the biggest hurdles? Getting to the airport itself. At the moment, the drive to WSI takes you through the semi-rural outskirts of Luddenham, past cows and homesteads, before you hit the fresh asphalt of roads so new they don’t even show up on Google Maps.
Ride-share pickup points are in place, but you can’t actually order an Uber yet—because the roads don’t have names!
And while a dedicated Metro rail link is in the works, it’s been delayed and may not open until a year after the airport itself.
That means, at least initially, most travellers will be relying on the new M12 motorway or braving Sydney’s notorious traffic.
For those in western Sydney, though, the prospect of avoiding the long, expensive trek to Mascot’s Kingsford Smith Airport is a tantalising one.
A digital leap forward
WSI isn’t just another airport—it’s set to be Australia’s first ‘digital aerodrome’.
Instead of a traditional air traffic control tower, more than 20 high-resolution cameras will beam real-time images of the airport and its airspace to a centralised control room off-site.
It’s a bold move, and one that could set the standard for future airports across the country.
Of course, some things can’t be done remotely. A new fire station is on the way, and the next phase will see the airport shift from construction to rigorous testing.
That means everything from welcoming progressively larger aircraft to running drills for everyday mishaps (think dropped suitcases and simulated injuries) and even full-blown crisis scenarios like security threats or cyber-attacks.
Will the airlines come?
Perhaps the biggest question is whether airlines will flock to WSI. So far, Qantas, Jetstar, and Singapore Airlines have signed on, and airport CEO Simon Hickey says talks are ongoing with more than 30 carriers.
But the lack of a rail link and the airport’s distance from central Sydney could be sticking points for some.
Hickey is bullish, pointing to the 2.5 million people living in western Sydney—one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most vibrant communities.
He’s confident that airlines see the potential, especially for locals keen to avoid the hassle and cost of getting to Mascot.
In the early days, expect a slow ramp-up, with most passengers likely to be Western Sydney residents.
Over time, as the rail link opens and more airlines come on board, the airport’s catchment could expand dramatically.
Learning from Avalon—and avoiding its pitfalls
Australia doesn’t have a long history of successful ‘second airports’. The closest comparison is Victoria’s Avalon Airport, which, despite being marketed as a Melbourne destination, is actually much closer to Geelong.
Avalon has struggled to attract international airlines and remains a relatively small operation, with most flights operated by Jetstar.
WSI, however, is being purpose-built as a major passenger hub, complete with a new business park and the planned Bradfield city precinct.
Crucially, it will operate 24/7—unlike Kingsford Smith, which is hamstrung by strict curfews and slot limits. This could be a game-changer, allowing for more flights, more competition, and potentially lower fares.
Aviation shake-up: What’s at stake?
Sydney’s current airport is bursting at the seams, with an 11 pm-6 am curfew and a cap of 80 takeoffs and landings per hour.
This scarcity of slots has made it tough for new airlines to break in and for existing ones to expand.
WSI’s 24-hour operations could open the door to new entrants, more competition, and better deals for travellers.
Imagine being able to catch a late-night flight to Singapore, arriving in time for your first morning meeting, or finding cheaper fares thanks to increased competition. That’s the promise of WSI.
The road ahead: Jobs, growth, and a new identity for Western Sydney
WSI is expected to support tens of thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, and could eventually handle more than 80 million passengers a year—on par with London’s Heathrow.
In the short term, though, Kingsford Smith will remain Sydney’s main airport, with WSI gradually building its market.
Qantas, for example, plans to start with its regional QantasLink brand, using smaller aircraft as demand grows.
The hope is that WSI will not just relieve pressure on Mascot, but help transform Western Sydney into a destination in its own right.
Transport Minister Catherine King is optimistic, predicting that the two airports will operate in their own markets and compete in ways that benefit travellers.
What does this mean for you?
The new airport could be a game-changer. Whether you’re planning a long-awaited overseas trip, visiting family interstate, or just looking for a more convenient way to fly, WSI promises more choice and less hassle—especially if you live in western Sydney.
Of course, there are still plenty of unknowns. Will the airlines come in droves? Will the promised transport links materialise on time? And will WSI avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other ‘second airports’ around the world?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Will you use the new Western Sydney International Airport when it opens? What would make you choose it over Mascot?
And what are your hopes (or concerns) for the future of air travel in Sydney? Share your views in the comments below!
Also read: Your next trip from this airport could cost you $90 more
