Qantas and Jetstar will operate domestic flights from the new airport at Badgerys Creek when it opens in late 2026, bringing a jobs bonanza to the region.
It follows an agreement between Western Sydney International Airport and the Qantas Group announced today on site.
The Qantas Group plans to operate up to 15 narrowbody aircraft – 10 Jetstar and five Qantas – from Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) within the first year, flying domestic routes such as Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
It is expected these aircraft will carry around four million passengers through WSI a year on more than 25,000 flights.
Around 700 operational jobs are expected to be needed, with local recruitment to take place in the lead up to the first flights.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government Catherine King joined senior executives from Western Sydney Airport and Qantas on a tour of the airport’s construction, which is now more than 50 per cent complete.
Our own Anne Stanley, the member for Werriwa and Government Whip, also attended today’s announcement and tour and is pictured (second from left) behind the PM.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the national carrier was proud to sign an agreement with Western Sydney International Airport, which is on track to become the sixth biggest airport for the Group within its first year of operation.
“In just over three years Qantas and Jetstar will take off from Western Sydney connecting one of Australia’s fastest growing areas through direct flights across the country,” Mr Joyce said.
“As we take delivery of more aircraft and expand our fleet, we see Western Sydney Airport as a significant growth opportunity for the Group, which will complement our existing operations in the Sydney basin and nationally.
“Western Sydney International Airport has some big strategic advantages with no curfew, technology that allows aircraft to be turned around quickly and a next-generation baggage system.
“Our data shows that more than two million trips per year are taken by people who live in the Western Sydney catchment so we know there will be demand for these flights from day one.”
