When will Western Sydney Airport open to passengers?

Passenger flights are set to begin in late October, following the start of freighter operations in July. The airport is curfew-free, so schedules can include late-night and early-morning departures. Expect timetables and fare sales to appear progressively as airlines finalise day-one routes and frequencies.

Which airlines are expected at launch?

Qantas and Jetstar are expected to lead domestic services. For international, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand are preparing early flights. Final routes and frequencies are still being confirmed, but the initial mix suggests both full-service and low-cost options for Western Sydney travellers.

How could this affect airfares in Sydney?

Curfew-free operations allow more off-peak flying, which can push promotional fares lower at certain times. If overall capacity rises, competitive pressure may increase on overlapping routes. Watch fare spreads between the two Sydney airports, especially for red-eye and shoulder periods where pricing flexibility is greatest.

What should investors monitor first?

Focus on early schedule releases, load factors in the first two quarters, and cargo trends from July. Compare capacity splits between the two Sydney airports, track fare differentials by time of day, and look for signs of improved aircraft utilisation that support better unit costs and margins.

Will flights operate overnight at Western Sydney Airport?

Yes. The airport is planned to operate 24 hours a day. Overnight and early-morning departures can improve aircraft use and create new fare options. This flexibility contrasts with the curfew at the existing Sydney Airport and may shift some demand to late-night travel windows.

Global Market Insights

Western Sydney Airport February 10: Qantas, Jetstar lead October start

ByDanny Kontos February 10, 2026

Western Sydney Airport will start passenger flights in late October, setting up a major shift in Australia’s aviation market. Qantas Jetstar are expected to anchor domestic services, while Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand are in the frame for early international links. Freighter operations begin in July, giving cargo a head start. With 24-hour operations, the airport can schedule late-night departures that the existing Sydney Airport cannot. We see potential pressure on fares, new route economics, and changing market share that investors should track closely.