Western Sydney Airport set to handle first passengers on October 25

Australia’s new multi-billion dollar gateway, Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), is set to welcome its first commercial passengers on October 25 when a Jetstar A320 flight departs for the Gold Coast.

Indeed, Jetstar and Qantas tickets on services to the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Brisbane went on sale this morning as the airport gears up for the launch of domestic operations.

“Mark your calendars – the countdown is officially on to welcome our inaugural passengers to Sydney’s new state-of-the art terminal with a Jetstar Airbus A320 the first commercial passenger flight set to take off for the Gold Coast at 11am on Sunday 25 October,” enthused WSI’s CEO, Simon Hickey.

The inaugural Jetstar and Qantas services from WSI comprise the operation of 14 weekly Jetstar flights a week between WSI and Melbourne; four weekly services to the Gold Coast and three weekly flights to Brisbane.

And from March 28, 2027, Qantas will launch four flights per week to Brisbane and four flights per week to Melbourne, its services being operated by QantasLink Embraer E190 aircraft.

“These Qantas and Jetstar flights will give all of Sydney, especially Western Sydney-siders, more choice and flexibility to travel domestically, with both airlines’ services expected to grow over the years ahead, in line with demand,” added Hickey.

“Despite the ongoing global conflict that continues to challenge the industry, today’s domestic ticket launch is another vote of confidence in Western Sydney International Airport, and the opportunities this rapidly growing region presents for the future of air travel in Greater Sydney.”

In more exciting news for Australia’s global city – WSI’s integrated 24-hour Cargo Precinct will officially open on Sunday, July 26, 2026, and Qantas will be one of the first cargo airlines to fly from the hub, when its freighter takes off on the evening of Monday, July 21. WSI will also have trial flights touching down earlier in July to test the new precinct ahead of its formal opening.

Hickey noted: “We’re delighted to welcome Qantas Freight from the 27th July, which will help boost our city’s air cargo capacity and ensure people get critical goods more efficiently while supporting businesses to grow and reach new global markets.

“Both exporters and importers will benefit from our integrated Cargo Precinct’s 24-hour capacity, dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road, and proximity to key freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and developing industrial sites across the Aerotropolis.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, agrees that the airport’s opening will be a big moment for Western Sydney.

“This is a project 15 years in the making, and I’m looking forward to passenger flights taking off in just 137 days,” said Minister King.

“Tens of thousands of people have worked on making this project a reality, and soon it will be Western Sydney’s gateway to the world.”

While Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, called the upcoming opening, ” a major milestone for Australian aviation and one that has been years in the making”, adding that she was  incredibly proud that Jetstar will be the first Australian airline to begin operations at Western Sydney International Airport, followed by Qantas early next year.

She stated: “We know there’s growing demand for customers in Western Sydney and we’re proud to be working with Gold Coast Airport and Tourism and Events Queensland to make our services to South East Queensland a reality.

“WSI will also become a key hub for Qantas Freight, with more than 850 tonnes of freight expected to move through our new terminal each week helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries.”