Western Sydney’s new airport welcomed its first passengers from another country on October 26, 2026. They arrived from Auckland on Air New Zealand flight NZ165. The airport opened the day before, with Jetstar flights within Australia.
Australia has not opened a major new international airport for 50 years. This one is at Badgerys Creek, about 60 kilometers west of central Sydney. Its full name honors Nancy Bird Walton, Australia’s first woman to work as a commercial pilot.
The new airport stays open all day and night. Sydney’s other airport, Kingsford Smith, limits flights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Airlines have more choice about flight times at the new airport.
All passengers use one main building for flights within Australia and to other countries. Machines help people check in and handle their bags. The airport can serve 10 million passengers a year now. It says that number could grow to more than 80 million.
Travelers can take public buses, taxis, or rides booked through an app. They can also rent cars. Drivers can use the M12 road without paying a road fee. Singapore Airlines plans to start daily flights to Singapore on November 23.
