By Isabella Ross, ABC
Air New Zealand is just the second overseas carrier to confirm it will fly into Western Sydney International Airport. Photo: ABC / Supplied / Multiplex
Despite Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) being close to completion, two obstacles remain, including just how many airline carriers are willing to fly into the precinct, 44 kilometres from the city's CBD.
Major construction is now complete, with the terminal at Badgerys Creek unveiled on Wednesday.
WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said the "24-hour international gateway" terminal would create "significant economic opportunities for all of Greater Sydney".
The airport itself is on track to open for domestic, international, and air cargo services in late 2026, though clarity on addressing the key drawbacks remain up in the air.
Will international airlines be enticed?
So far, only four airlines have confirmed their plans to operate out of WSI - two of those being Australia's Qantas and Jetstar.
The third, Singapore Airlines, announced their intention back in August 2024, and the fourth, Air New Zealand, was announced on Wednesday by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
At Sydney Airport in Mascot, more than 50 airlines fly in and out, the vast majority being overseas carriers.
Hickey previously said conversations with multiple other airlines had taken place, but he would not be drawn on any finalities.
"We are gathering momentum each passing day," he said at WSI's unveiling.
Indian media reported "discussions" had occurred with IndiGo and Air India, with Destination NSW's country manager for India saying an airport in Western Sydney would be ideal for "a lot of the Indian community".
Public transport conundrum continues
A delayed Western Sydney Airport Metro Line is likely a thorn in the side of WSI's grand plans.
The first tracks have been laid on this Metro line, but visitors to WSI won't be able to use this service until at least April 2027, as per Sydney Metro's annual report.
"Major projects like these are inherently complex and this project has faced impacts due to industrial relations and supply chain disruption," a Sydney Metro spokesperson said.
Australia's most 'Instagrammable' airport?
Despite a delayed Metro line and a limit of confirmed airline carriers, the A$5.3 billion (NZ$ 5.7b) investment in the airport's build is visible.
As Australia's first new greenfield international airport in more than 50 years, WSI's design is sustainability-focused, according to the architects behind the project.
More than 6000 solar panels are affixed to its roof to provide energy efficiency and renewable electricity in a bid to reduce the airport's carbon footprint.
Collected rainfall on-site will also be recycled for use in the airport's bathrooms, irrigation systems and cooling towers.
Hickey said the design had taken inspiration from "iconic vistas" around Western and Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, and sandstone materials also sourced from the Central Coast.
With construction mostly finalised, the fit-out of the terminal's retail precinct and airline lounges will take place closer to the airport's opening, said a WSI spokesperson, with commercial tenders contracts still to be finalised.
When asked by 702 ABC Radio Sydney if WSI would be the most "Instagrammable terminal in Australia", he agreed.
"It's an exciting day for Western Sydney," he said.
-ABC
