Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has landed its second international airline today, with Air New Zealand signalling its intent to operate services to the new airport.
Air New Zealand joins Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Jetstar (domestic) as one of four carriers now signed on to operate from Sydney's new 24-hour airport, which is set to open late 2026.
The airline's first route will connect Auckland and Western Sydney, opening a new gateway between Aotearoa, New Zealand and one of Australia's fastest-growing regions.
Australia and New Zealand are each other's largest visitor markets, with over 1.3 million Australians and New Zealanders travelling each way in the year to March 2025.
In 2024, New Zealand tourism contributed $2.1 billion to the Australia economy.
Today's announcement has been supported by the NSW Government and WSI's joint Western Sydney Take Off Fund, which incentivises international airlines to fly into the airport ahead of its opening in late 2026.
The $16 million Destination NSW-managed Take-Off Fund is made up of $8 million from the NSW Government and matched by WSI and is forecast to deliver over 162,000 international visitors to NSW and generate an estimated $530 million in visitor expenditure.
Ticket details will be announced in due course, with the first flights between Auckland and Western Sydney expected to commence from mid-2027-an important milestone as the airport seeks to welcome an annual passenger volume of 10 million by 2033.
Comments attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"Australia and New Zealand are neighbours, family, and friends, and our people-to-people links are at the heart of our enduring relationship - which will only grow with this new connection.
"We committed to increasing our international air rights through our Aviation White Paper as its one of the levers at the government's disposal to improve competition, and that's what we've done by signing a record number during our first term.
"With Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines on board to fly from Western Sydney International, New South Wales' fastest growing region is already a stepping stone to the world."
Comments attributable to NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
"Western Sydney International Airport is getting ready for take-off. This is the first new route secured through the Minns Labor Government's Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, and a route that I am sure will no doubt be very popular.
"Sydney is the top overseas city of choice for Kiwis, and this new direct connection to Western Sydney will unlock incredible opportunities for local tourism, business and jobs. The economics are very simple, if we want to grow our visitor economy, we need more visitors.
"The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Western Sydney International Airport and Air New Zealand to secure this new route that will boost the Western Sydney economy. I look forward to working with WSI to secure further new routes."
Comments attributable to Western Sydney International CEO Simon Hickey:
"I'd like to extend a warm 'Kia ora' to our friends across the Tasman as we welcome Air New Zealand's world-class services to Sydney's new international gateway.
"This new strategic partnership, supported by the Western Sydney International Take-off Fund, will connect one of Australia's most diverse and fastest growing regions - Western Sydney - with New Zealand's largest city and main holiday gateway.
"WSI's innovative terminal facilities and use of next-generation technology will offer Air New Zealand passengers a seamless, intuitive and meaningful airport experience, while our 24-hour capacity will give people more choice on when and how they choose to fly. We can't wait to welcome you."
Comments attributable to Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran:
"Western Sydney International represents an exciting step forward for aviation in Australia, and we're delighted to be the first trans-Tasman carrier to signal our intent to operate there as we continue to grow.
"It's a great opportunity to grow our network and better serve the rapidly expanding Western Sydney region. This new route reflects our commitment to making travel more convenient for our customers and supporting stronger connections between New Zealand and Australia.
"We're looking forward to offering customers our world-class Air New Zealand service to and from a world-class new airport."
