Sydney’s new 24-hour global gateway welcomed its inaugural international passengers, with Air New Zealand touching down from Auckland this morning, connecting Western Sydney to the world.
The arrival of flight NZ165 marks another major historic milestone for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), just one day after it officially opened and welcomed its first domestic passengers.
The aircraft will make its return journey across the Tasman as flight NZ166 this morning, kicking off a new chapter that will give Sydneysiders more choice and flexibility when travelling to New Zealand alongside convenient onward connections across Air New Zealand’s extensive domestic and international network.
WSI CEO, Simon Hickey, said he was delighted to mark the arrival of the airport’s first international passengers, which demonstrated the exciting new opportunities WSI was creating for airlines and their passengers.
“Kia ora to our friends across the Tasman and a very warm welcome to Sydney’s new global gateway. Together with our valued partners at Air New Zealand, Western Sydney is now off taking off to the world,” he said.
“Through our 24-hour operations, Western Sydney International Airport gives airlines greater flexibility to connect into global hubs and travellers more choice in how they reach the world, offering an unprecedented new era of connectivity for people across Greater Sydney.
“Western Sydney is home to around 2.5 million people and more than 170 ancestries, with residents frequently travelling overseas for business and to connect with family and friends. As one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing economies, the region represents a substantial new market for international airlines.
“We’re bringing more aviation capacity and competition to the doorstep of one of Australia’s fastest-growing markets, giving international airlines room to grow and travellers from Western Sydney and beyond a modern, world-class, digitally enabled airport experience,” Mr Hickey said.
“Today is a fitting celebration of our two nation’s deep cultural and historical bonds, with the first international flight from our vibrant and diverse Western Sydney region to New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub for tourism and trade.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, “Western Sydney International Airport has hit the ground running, and it’s only going to get bigger and better from here.
“Next month, WSI will also launch its first direct flights to Singapore, with additional new connections across the Pacific and South East Asia to follow next year.
Air New Zealand Chief Operations Officer – Ground and Inflight, Kate Boyer, said being the first international airline to touch down at WSI is a rare moment in aviation history and an exciting opportunity for the airline and New Zealand.
“It’s not every day you get to be part of opening a brand-new international airport, let alone be the first international passenger airline to land there. We’re excited to be part of this historic milestone.
“Australia and New Zealand share a special connection, and this new service is about bringing people and places even closer together. It gives Western Sydney residents a new gateway to explore New Zealand and beyond, while opening more opportunities for tourism, trade, and business on both sides of the Tasman.
“Auckland is also a fantastic gateway beyond New Zealand, with easy, frequent services to destinations across our domestic network and the Pacific Islands.”
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “The arrival of the first Air New Zealand flight into Western Sydney is a significant milestone for the region, opening the door to more visitors, new business opportunities, and local jobs.
“Direct international connections will help showcase Western Sydney to the world, supporting the region’s growth and strengthening NSW’s position as Australia’s leading visitor economy.
“The Minns Labor Government partnered with Air New Zealand and Western Sydney International Airport to secure the route through the $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, established in 2025 to attract new international flights and deliver economic benefits for Western Sydney.”
Passengers on today’s Air New Zealand services are the first to experience WSI’s international offering, with a state-of-the-art terminal designed for a seamless and stress-free airport experience unlike any other in Australia.
WSI is also the first Australian airport to open with a fully digital arrivals declaration process as part of the Federal Government’s new Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) – a digital alternative to the traditional paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC).
From day dot at WSI – international passengers can submit their customs, immigration, and biosecurity information electronically before landing, making arrivals simpler and more efficient so visitors can start enjoying Australia sooner.
