Jetstar has made aviation history by operating the first commercial passenger flight from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), also known as Nancy-Bird Walton Airport. The inaugural service departed for the Gold Coast on October 25, 2026, launching passenger operations at Sydney’s new airport after years of planning and construction.
Located in Badgerys Creek, about 45 kilometers west of Sydney’s central business district, the airport is designed to serve the growing population of Greater Western Sydney and to expand the city’s domestic and international aviation capacity.
October 25, 2026
First Passenger Flight (JQ362)
Up to 24
Jetstar Return Services a Week
24 Hours
No Nighttime Curfew
~10 Million
Annual Passenger Capacity at Opening
A Sold-Out First Flight
Jetstar flight JQ362 operated the airport’s first commercial passenger departure to the Gold Coast. The inaugural service was sold out, and Jetstar has already expanded its planned Gold Coast schedule from four weekly flights to daily services.
Jetstar Routes From Western Sydney
All of Jetstar’s initial Western Sydney services are operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, with up to 24 return services a week:
| Destination | Weekly Return Services |
|---|---|
| Melbourne | Up to 14 |
| Gold Coast | Daily (7) |
| Brisbane | 3 |
Western Sydney International: Opening Timeline
- July 2026Cargo operations began, ahead of the passenger opening.
- Oct. 25, 2026Jetstar operated the first passenger flight, to the Gold Coast.
- Oct. 26, 2026Air New Zealand scheduled to launch Western Sydney–Auckland flights, the airport’s first step into international travel.
- Nov. 23, 2026Singapore Airlines expected to introduce daily Western Sydney–Singapore flights.
- Mar. 28, 2027QantasLink scheduled to launch Melbourne and Brisbane services with Embraer E190 aircraft.
- Dec. 15, 2027Qatar Airways scheduled to begin Doha–Western Sydney flights, three times a week.
Jetstar has also indicated interest in international flights, including a proposed route to Bali. Any additional routes will depend on approvals and final airline plans.
A Curfew-Free Airport
Unlike Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, Western Sydney International can operate without a nighttime curfew. This gives airlines more scheduling flexibility and creates room for new passenger and cargo services.
Built to Grow
The airport can handle around 10 million passengers a year in its initial configuration, with infrastructure that can support future expansion. It is also expected to support jobs and economic development across Western Sydney.
Travel Tip: Check Which Sydney Airport You Are Flying From
Sydney now has two separate airports. Always check your booking to confirm whether your flight uses Western Sydney International (WSI) or Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD). Going to the wrong one could mean a long additional journey across the city.
For travelers in Western Sydney, the new airport can mean a shorter trip to the terminal; the best choice will depend on your route, flight times and where you live.
