SYDNEY, Australia — October 26, 2026 — Update to our October 25 story. Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) handled its first international passenger flight on Monday, October 26, when Air New Zealand arrived from Auckland in the morning and then flew back. WSI opened to domestic passengers with Jetstar the day before.
What’s new since yesterday
- First international flight: Air New Zealand landed from Auckland on the morning of October 26, then operated the return. No problems were reported.
- Schedule: The route is planned three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The timetable published in April showed Auckland to WSI at 6:05 a.m., arriving 7:50 a.m., and WSI to Auckland at 9:00 a.m., arriving 2:15 p.m. The flights use all-economy A320neo or A321neo aircraft. Check current times with Air New Zealand, as schedules can change.
- Next international airlines: Vietjet in January 2027, Fiji Airways in March 2027 and Qatar Airways in December 2027.
- Lounge: No lounge for Air New Zealand had been announced when the route went on sale in April. Status: TBA.
Know before you go
- Domestic: Jetstar serves the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- One runway, no curfew: Unlike Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD), WSI has no night restrictions on passenger flights.
- No rail link until at least December 2027. For now, the airport is reached by road or by train to St Marys and then a bus.
- Few routes for now: Expect a short list of flights in the first months.
What it means for non-revs
- A new trans-Tasman option. Air New Zealand pass riders now have a second Sydney gateway, three days a week. With a single-aisle aircraft and opening-week curiosity, expect early flights to be full and standby seats scarce.
- Make sure you list for the right airport. “Sydney” can now mean SYD or WSI, and the two are far apart with no rail link between them.
- Plan your connection carefully. WSI has no other international carriers yet, so onward connections from the Air New Zealand flight mean Jetstar domestic flights or a road transfer to SYD.
- Allow time for ground transport. Train plus bus or a car is the only way in until the rail line opens.
Sources
- Karmactive — Western Sydney International lands its first flight from Auckland
- UA.News (citing CNA) — First international flight departs from Western Sydney airport
- Executive Traveller — Air New Zealand takes off from Western Sydney
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