Thanks to our valued partners at Singapore Airlines, we had the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive sneak peek inside Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) – Australia’s newest international gateway, opening to passengers on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
With the finishing touches underway and its first flights just weeks away, we were able to see firsthand what travellers can expect from Sydney’s newest airport.
A new era of travel for Sydney
Built from the ground up, Western Sydney International is the first major greenfield airport to be developed in Australia in more than 50 years.
The airport will initially have capacity to welcome up to 10 million passengers each year, with significant growth planned for the decades ahead. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, WSI will provide greater flexibility for domestic, international and freight services, while opening up exciting new opportunities for connectivity across Australia and around the world.
And it has certainly been built with the future in mind.
The terminal brings domestic and international operations together under one roof, with a light, open and contemporary design that immediately stood out during our visit. Advanced technology has also been incorporated throughout the passenger journey, including biometric-enabled processes designed to streamline everything from check-in and bag drop to boarding.
Accessibility and passenger comfort have also been carefully considered, including two dedicated sensory rooms designed to provide a calmer environment for travellers who may find the airport experience overwhelming.
Where will you be able to fly?
It won’t take long for WSI’s departure boards to start filling up.
Jetstar will make history on 25 October, operating the airport’s first commercial passenger flight with JQ362 departing for the Gold Coast at 11am. Jetstar will also connect Western Sydney with Melbourne and Brisbane, giving travellers new options for domestic travel. International flights begin the very next day, with Air New Zealand commencing services between Auckland and Western Sydney on 26 October. The service will operate three times a week, introducing a new option for trans-Tasman travel and connecting Western Sydney directly with New Zealand.
And that's just the beginning, with destinations including Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Nadi already confirmed as WSI's international network continues to grow.
Singapore Airlines touches down in Western Sydney from 23 November 2026
One of the most exciting additions to the airport – and the reason we were lucky enough to get this special behind-the-scenes look – is the arrival of Singapore Airlines.
From 23 November 2026, Singapore Airlines will commence a daily non-stop service between Western Sydney and Singapore, operated by an Airbus A350-900.
For travellers, the timing will be particularly convenient. SQ202 is scheduled to depart Western Sydney at 11:55pm, arriving into Singapore at 5:05am the following morning, allowing passengers to make the most of onward connections across Singapore Airlines’ extensive network throughout Asia, Europe and beyond.
Combined with Singapore Airlines’ existing four daily services from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, the new route will bring the airline to five daily Sydney services, giving travellers even greater flexibility when planning their next international journey.
Singapore Airlines Premium In-Flight Offerings
Passengers flying between Western Sydney and Singapore can look forward to Singapore Airlines’ renowned service and premium in-flight experience aboard the Airbus A350-900.
Economy Class
With 263 Economy Class seats, passengers can enjoy a comfortable journey designed around their needs, with additional stowage space, more than 1,900 entertainment options, and complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members.
Business Class
For an elevated journey, 40 Business Class seats offers added comfort and luxury, including a fully flat bed, more than 1,900 entertainment options, fine dining with Singapore Airlines’ signature Book the Cook service, and a Le Labo amenity kit.
And there’s plenty more to come
Western Sydney’s international network is already continuing to grow.
From 9 January 2027, Vietjet will connect Western Sydney directly with Ho Chi Minh City, initially operating two return services each week before increasing to three weekly services from March 2027.
Then, from 19 March 2027, Fiji Airways will commence three weekly services between Western Sydney and Nadi, opening another convenient gateway to one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations.
With its ability to operate around the clock, the potential for WSI’s network is significant. As more airlines and routes are added in the years ahead, the airport is designed to grow with Sydney’s aviation needs, with long-term plans allowing it to eventually accommodate up to 82 million passengers annually.
Our first look inside
While the scale of the project is impressive, what really stood out during our visit was the thought that has gone into the passenger experience.
The terminal feels spacious, bright and remarkably easy to navigate. Because WSI has been designed completely from scratch, technology and passenger flow have been considered from the outset rather than added to an existing terminal over time.
Biometric technology will help create a more seamless journey through the airport, with passengers able to use self-service check-in, bag drop and boarding processes and, where available, biometric identification to reduce the need to repeatedly present physical travel documents.
For an airport that will eventually welcome millions of travellers every year, the focus on making the experience feel simple and intuitive was clear throughout our tour.
Ready for take-off
With opening day now only weeks away, it was incredible to experience Western Sydney International at such a unique moment – almost ready for passengers, but before the departure boards, check-in counters and boarding gates come to life.
From its 24-hour operations and advanced technology to its growing network of domestic and international flights, WSI marks an exciting new chapter for Australian aviation and another gateway connecting Australians with the world.
A huge thank you to Singapore Airlines for giving the Phil Hoffmann Travel team this special sneak peek inside Australia’s newest airport. We can’t wait to see WSI officially come to life on 25 October 2026 – and Singapore Airlines take off from its newest Australian gateway from 23 November.
Thinking about where your next journey could take you?
Speak with your Phil Hoffmann Travel consultant to start planning your next adventure.
