Here’s a first look at Western Sydney International Airport

Jun 11, 2025

Western Sydney is preparing for take off.

The runway is set for Western Sydney airport to begin its trial and testing stage in preparation for 23,000 daily passengers by 2030. Major building work has finished and future passengers can finally get a glimpse on what the Badgerys Creek airport will look like.

The state-of-the-art airport is said to drive economic growth and boost productivity for not just Western Sydney but for greater Sydney, too. While function is at the forefront of the design, aesthetics has not been neglected by designed by world renowned architects Zaha Hadid and Cox Architecture.

Seating area at Western Sydney International Airport.

State-owned Western Sydney International has just released dozens of photos of the new terminal and it looks to capitalise on natural light, with sunlight pouring through the two-storey windows facing the runway. The terminal entrance has been designed to look like a grand Australian veranda and it boasts a very art gallery aesthetic.

On the roof, nearly 9000 solar panels will help power the 1700 hectare site, which is twice the size of Sydney’s other international airport. About 5km of conveyor belts can sort and distribute up to 2000 bags per hour.

Western Sydney International Airport terminal.

So which airlines will be utilising the airport? Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have committed to using the airport, which means Western Sydney will be easily connected to domestic and international destinations. Western Sydney chief executive Simon Hickey told The Australian he was hopeful Virgin Australia would soon sign as well.

Sydney’s Kingsford airport has curfew hours barring planes over the high density area and Western Sydney’s 24-hour window is a key selling point to the airlines.

In 2026, five million passengers are expected through the airport. By 2031, operators aim to accommodate 10 million passengers per year. Long-term targets have 82 million people travelling through the airport each year by 2063.

Details around what hospitality options will be available to passengers are still under wraps, but when they’re released we’ll be sure to let you know.

When will Western Sydney International Airport open?

Western Sydney International Airport is set to open in 2026. It is located in Badgerys Creek, which is more than 50 minutes west of Sydney Kingsford Airport in Mascot. Western Sydney International Airport will operate 24 hours a day, meaning there will be no curfew for domestic and international flights.