Aviation history has been made in western Sydney.
40 years after Bob Hawke first declared Badgerys Creek as the site for Sydney’s second airport, the first passenger flight took off from Western Sydney International (WIS) Airport this morning.
Jetstar flight JQ362 took off at around 11.20am – 20 minutes behind the official schedule – bound for the Gold Coast.
Members of the public had gathered to watch the historic moment inside the terminal, while an official event was held at the adjoining international terminal.
Plane spotters and locals also gathered on the streets outside the airport to watch the historic moment. Families in the back of utes watched on as the airport’s first flight took to the sky.
The official opening attracted politicians past and present from all sides of politics.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially unveiled the commemorative plaque, while former Prime Minister Tony Abbott – who once and for all declared the airport would be built at Badgerys Creek in 2014 – was also there.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier Prue Car were among the many others.
“For the first time in more than 50 years, Australia is opening a major new airport,” Albanese said.
“It’s a milestone that has been decades in the making and one that belongs to the people of western Sydney.
“I’ve been a strong supporter of this project for a long time and I’m very proud to officially open it.
“I want to thank the thousands of workers who made it happen. This airport will make a real difference for western Sydney, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to travel for generations to come.”
Executive Director of Business Western Sydney, David Borger, said it was a milestone today for Sydney’s west.
“It’s hard not to think back to just how improbable this all seemed once,” he said.
“When we started building the case for Badgerys Creek through the Western Sydney Airport Alliance more than a decade ago, the airport was still political poison. Plenty of people supported it nervously or quietly. Far fewer were prepared to say so publicly.
“That is a remarkable achievement across governments, political parties and the thousands of people who spent years turning an idea on a map into a runway, terminal and now actual passengers.”
Milestones will continue for the airport in the coming days with the first international flight to take off for New Zealand tomorrow.
The official opening largely went off without a hitch – plenty of staff were on site to guide people around the new airport.
There was clearly an excited nervousness in the air.
Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the opening was a case of ambition becoming reality.
“WSI is the most transformational piece of infrastructure our nation has seen since the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” he said.
“It brings the world closer to western Sydney and opportunity closer to home, creating new meaningful jobs for generations to come. Young people growing up in the West can now look to the sky and see their future is bright and right here, in their own backyard.”
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the airline was thrilled to be a foundation partner of the airport.
“This is an historic day for aviation in Australia, and we’re proud to bring more choice and low fares to western Sydney. For many customers, the uber or taxi across the city has been the most expensive part of their trip. From today, for three million people who live in and around Western Sydney, low fares start a lot closer to home,” she said.
“We’ve got a strong track record of opening up new markets, and western Sydney, one of the fastest growing regions in the country, is going to be one of the great ones. We can’t wait to help more people take-off more for less.”
In addition to Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Vietjet, Fiji Airways and Qatar Airways will all fly out of the airport.
“The official opening of WSI marks just over 20 weeks until Fiji Airways brings Fiji closer than ever to the western Sydney community,” Fiji Airways CEO Paul Scurrah said.
“WSI is an impressive new gateway for the region, and from March 2027, our direct services will give local travellers a faster and easier way to experience Fiji’s tropical paradise, rich culture, and famous hospitality.
“The new WSI to Nadi route will also be an important connection for western Sydney’s Fijian diaspora, bringing them closer to loved ones back home. We look forward to welcoming many more guests from western Sydney on board the World’s Happiest Airline.”
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney along with General Manager Andrew Moore was also at this morning’s opening.
“It was great to share in this historic occasion today. The airport opening brings the world closer to Penrith, creating opportunities for local people, businesses and future generations,” Carney said.
“It is a future Penrith City Council has been planning for, over many years.”
Troy Dodds
Troy has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
