Sydney's new 24-hour airport is one step closer to welcoming its first passengers, with major construction works across Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) now complete and the state-of-the-art terminal formally unveiled today.
Today's announcement marks a major milestone for the project, signalling a shift in the airport's progress from construction to operations in the lead up to its opening in 2026.
Completion of the terminal joins the recent completion of the Airside package of works, including the 3.7-kilometre runway, and the Landside package of works, including the carparks, roads, bridges and utilities.
With major construction now finished, WSI will move on with testing the systems and preparing for airport operations to get ready for passengers and freight.
More than 2,000 workers expended around 9 million hours creating the terminal, which will house both domestic and international gates under one roof to enable fast connections.
The entire WSI project has created 11,650 annual full-time equivalent jobs, over half of which have come from the local area.
More than $500 million has also been invested in more than 360 Western Sydney based businesses since the start of WSI's construction in 2017, including local tradies and construction companies, caterers, and security guards.
The Australian Government is investing $19 billion into infrastructure projects in Western Sydney, including $2.3 billion committed in the 2025-26 Budget.
These investments ensure that the airport, and the businesses in Western Sydney, will have the infrastructure they need on day one of the airport opening, and that the road and rail connections required for the future continue to grow with the airport.
While major construction of the WSI terminal is complete, the fit-out of the terminal's retail precinct and airline lounges will take place closer to the airport's opening as commercial tenders and final contracts continue to progress over the months ahead.
WSI is on track to open for domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"When we talk about Building Australia's Future, I think about Western Sydney International Airport.
"I think about the vision, persistence, and cooperation that has led us here to this milestone.
"I think about the jobs and opportunity that this project has delivered, and will deliver for Sydney and for Australia.
"This airport will drive economic growth, and turbocharge productivity."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King
"Today marks a significant step in the history of Western Sydney International with the unveiling of the terminal and completion of major works.
"This project is on time and on budget and gearing up to open in 2026.
"Western Sydney International will shape this region and greater Sydney for decades to come - providing jobs, boosting the productivity of our supply chains, and connecting a greater portion of our population with the rest of the world."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley
"The next milestone in the construction of the Western Sydney Airport brings the promise of better opportunities for residents in the area.
"Jobs, roads, housing and railways are already in progress because of the promise the new airport brings. I am so happy to share this with everyone."
