A holidaymaker who flew into Western Sydney Airport from Auckland said he thought he had travelled to Western Australia. The airport opened on Sunday, and its first commercial flight landed that day. He told a TV interview he realised on the flight that he was not heading to Perth, but said it was not the worst thing while on holiday. Another passenger, Julie Lundmark, said she looked out of the window after landing on a Jetstar flight and had no idea where she was. There are no direct flights between Perth and the new airport.
Travellers have been confused by Sydney's new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), with some passengers landing at the wrong airport. Julie Lundmark from Sweden was surprised to discover her return flight from Melbourne landed at WSI instead of Sydney Airport. She and her friend had to find ways to get back to Sydney Airport, where their car was parked. Another passenger thought he was travelling to Perth in Western Australia but landed at WSI instead.
Passengers on the first commercial flights at Western Sydney International Airport have described the experience as seamless. Jetstar flight JQ362 left for the Gold Coast just before 11:30am on Sunday, one of three domestic services to use the runway first. Air New Zealand flight NZ165 from Auckland became the first international arrival, followed by flight NZ166 back to Auckland. Passengers praised the toll-free drive, short walk to the terminal and digital check-in. Airline and airport officials say more destinations will be added over the next year.
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Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has marked the opening of Western Sydney International Nancy Bird Walton Airport, with first passengers departing on the day. King said the project would create jobs and opportunities for young people in Western Sydney. Asked about the biggest challenge, she pointed to planning approvals and flight paths. Residents near Luddenham have raised concerns about aircraft noise. King said a noise amelioration plan is being assessed and work will begin shortly for eligible households.
Western Sydney International Airport has opened, with passenger flights starting today. Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said the airport would increase competition in the Sydney Basin and help ease capacity limits at Kingsford Smith Airport. Airport chief executive Simon Hickey said more than 10,000 workers helped deliver the project, and that more than half came from Western Sydney. Hickey said the airport can be reached by the M12 motorway, bus routes and a free shuttle from St Mary's station. Air New Zealand flights are due to begin tomorrow.
Transport Minister Catherine King says the Western Sydney International Airport has begun commercial flights, with the first service going to the Gold Coast. She said the airport would ease pressure on Kingsford Smith Airport and create jobs. King said a rail line is expected within 12 to 18 months. She also spoke about the attack on Helen Haines, saying MPs should be safe at work. King defended the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program, saying it delivers party election commitments and is administered under Audit Office requirements. She said she signed off on decisions only after department assessment.
Western Sydney International airport is set to open, taking pressure off Kingsford Smith airport at Mascot, which has strict flight limits and a night curfew. The commonwealth government says it spent $5.3bn on the airport, while a metro rail link is estimated at about $11bn. Airlines including Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, VietJet and Qatar Airways will service the airport from late 2026 to late 2027, with some receiving support from a $16m state fund.
Western Sydney International Airport opens to passengers on Sunday, with flights operating around the clock. The $5.3 billion public project is designed to handle up to 10 million passengers a year. University of Sydney academic Rico Merkert says the airport could take 10 years to become profitable and may need subsidies until then. Government and business leaders hope the airport will anchor an economic hub that attracts industry and jobs to the region, supported by new transport links and the planned city of Bradfield.
Qatar Airways will begin flights from Western Sydney International Airport to Doha in December 2027. The route will give travellers access to Doha and connections across the airline's global network. The airport said the airline, alongside its existing partners, would give passengers access to more than 250 destinations within its first 14 months of passenger services. The announcement comes days before the airport is due to welcome its first passengers. The actual routes available will depend on airline schedules and onward services.
Western Sydney International Airport opens to passengers on Sunday, with a large artistic tribute to pioneering pilot Nancy Bird Walton above the domestic departure gates. Several roads, a control tower and children's play areas also carry her name. Walton was one of the first Australian women to hold a commercial pilot's licence. She delivered medical aid to remote communities in western New South Wales and founded the Australian Women Pilots' Association in 1950. Walton died in 2009, aged 93. Her grandson said her legacy shows women what was possible.
Qatar Airways will fly to Western Sydney International Airport from December 2027, giving travellers a link to Doha. Boeing wide-body aircraft will carry up to 354 passengers per flight, with return flights to Doha three times a week. The route was secured through the NSW Government's Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund. Tickets for the flights go on sale on 19 December 2026, with the first flight departing Doha on 15 December 2027. Minister Catherine King and NSW Tourism Minister Steve Kamper welcomed the announcement.
Qatar Airways will fly from Western Sydney International Airport, with services to its Doha hub. The first flights are set to begin in December 2027. The airline will operate three flights a week, planning to increase to daily services by the end of 2028. The new route received funding from the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, a $16 million fund jointly backed by the NSW Government and the airport. NSW Tourism Minister Steve Kamper said the route was a major win for state tourism and local jobs.
