Western Sydney Airport Opens With Jetstar Flights to Gold Coast and Melbourne
Sydney's new 24-hour airport at Badgerys Creek welcomed its first passengers on 25 October 2026, with Jetstar flying the first departures.
Passengers could first use Western Sydney International Airport, named after Nancy-Bird Walton and known as WSI, on 25 October 2026. According to AeroTime, a Jetstar Airbus A320neo took off just after 11:20 local time. It flew to Gold Coast Airport.
AeroTime also reports that a later Jetstar flight left for Melbourne Airport. Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, headed the events that marked the launch. Simple Flying says the first flight was sold out.
The airport sits in the Badgerys Creek area. Travel and Tour World says it is built to run around the clock and handle domestic, international and freight services. Simple Flying puts the cost of the project at $14 billion.
Sydney's older airport, Kingsford Smith, has overnight curfew limits. Travel and Tour World says the new airport gives airlines more flexibility as its route network grows.
Aviation A2Z notes the project followed about eight decades of debate and planning disputes. It also says that people who live close by have voiced worries about plane noise, freight flights that run through the night and roads and rail connections that are still unfinished.
What it means for travelers
Western Sydney now has its own airport, which may be closer for people who live in the west of the city. The lack of a curfew could allow more flight times as airlines add routes. Right now, the notes only confirm Jetstar flights to the Gold Coast and Melbourne.
What to watch next
Check your airline's booking details to see which Sydney airport your flight uses. Also look at how you will get to the airport, since reports say some transport links are still unfinished.
How the story unfolded
Read the original reporting
- AeroTime – Western Sydney Airport opens as first Jetstar flight hits the runway ↗
- Simple Flying – Sydney’s New $14 Billion Airport Officially Opens As First Jetstar Flight Takes Off ↗
- Travel and Tour World – Australia’s Gold Coast Makes Aviation History as Jetstar Launches First Passenger Flight from Western Sydney International Airport on 25 October ↗
- Aviation A2Z – This New Airport Opens After 80 Years of Debate and Protests ↗
Quick questions
What is the news in short?
Sydney's new 24-hour airport at Badgerys Creek welcomed its first passengers on 25 October 2026, with Jetstar flying the first departures.
How does this affect trips to Australia?
Western Sydney now has its own airport, which may be closer for people who live in the west of the city. The lack of a curfew could allow more flight times as airlines add routes. Right now, the notes only confirm Jetstar flights to the Gold Coast and Melbourne.
What happens next?
Check your airline's booking details to see which Sydney airport your flight uses. Also look at how you will get to the airport, since reports say some transport links are still unfinished.
Which outlets reported this?
This brief is based on reporting from AeroTime, Simple Flying, Travel and Tour World and Aviation A2Z. Links to the original stories are listed on this page.
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How we made this brief: RoamSun brings together facts reported by the outlets listed above and writes a fresh, short explanation with the help of AI. Every brief is checked so it does not copy the publishers' wording. The original reporting belongs to those outlets – please read their full stories.
