After more than a decade of planning and years of construction, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport has officially confirmed it will welcome its first passengers on 25 October 2026, marking a historic milestone for one of Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects.
The announcement was welcomed by local leaders and federal representatives, who described the airport as a transformational development for Western Sydney and the broader Australian economy.
According to Anne Stanley MP, the project represents the culmination of 15 years of planning, seven years of construction and a full year of testing before opening its doors to travellers.
“Yesterday Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport announced that after 15 years of planning, seven years of construction and a year of testing, the Airport will welcome its first passengers on 25 October 2026,” Stanley said.
The new airport is expected to become a major economic driver for the region. Western Sydney is already Australia’s third-largest economy and home to nearly half of Sydney’s population.
Stanley highlighted the strategic importance of the project, noting that the airport is expected to handle up to 10 million passengers annually during its initial phase, with capacity to expand significantly in the future as demand grows.
The opening of Western Sydney International is expected to improve domestic and international connectivity, create thousands of jobs and stimulate investment across transport, logistics, tourism and business sectors.
The Albanese Government has positioned the airport as part of a broader infrastructure strategy designed to support the rapid growth of Western Sydney.
“The Albanese Government isn’t just delivering Western Sydney’s new airport, but also the infrastructure upgrades it needs as well. Welcome projects for a growing community,” Stanley said.
The airport, named in honour of pioneering Australian aviator Nancy-Bird Walton, is expected to become a key gateway for both domestic and international travellers while helping ease pressure on Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
With less than five months remaining before the first scheduled flights, attention is now turning to final operational preparations as airlines, businesses and local communities prepare for a new chapter in Australian aviation.
Source: Anne Stanley MP, Facebook statement, June 2026.
