Western Sydney Airport: International runway construction starts

The construction of the international runway has officially begun, and it has been revealed that the airport will continue to operate safely in foggy conditions due to new technology. See footage of the site.

The new airport for Western Sydney is one step closer as construction begins on the international runway.

Along with the Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) runway and taxiways, airfield construction will include more than 40 kilometres of roads and the installation of 3000 aeronautical ground lights.

It also will construct 90 kilometres of power and fibre optic cabling to electrify the airport.

Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said cutting-edge technology and innovative design will come together on the airfield to set a new benchmark for air travel in Australia.

“Not only are we building Australia’s best airport terminal – we’re building Australia’s best runway, delivering a travel experience that will be unrivalled in this country,” he said.

“Our airfield’s design means we’ll safely get planes in the air or to the gates faster.

“At Western Sydney International, we’ll get passengers on their way sooner, whether that’s getting to your meeting on time or arriving home to loved ones.”

Airfield construction is expected to create around 1200 direct jobs and support many more indirect jobs through flow-on to suppliers, subcontractors and the local economy.

Mr Hickey said the efficient design of the 3.7km runway and rapid-exit taxiways, enabled by the latest technology, will reduce taxi and holding times, preventing delays on the tarmac that can be frustrating for passengers and costly for airlines.

WSI’s runway will handle the full range of commercial aircraft, including the new generation of ultra-long-haul airliners like the A350-1000 and Boeing 777X and is set to be the only airport in Sydney equipped with a modern CAT III-B instrument landing system.

“Western Sydney International will continue operating safely in foggy conditions that currently shut down Sydney’s skies,” Mr Hickey said.

“Our airfield will be future-ready, designed for expansion with consideration for emerging technologies such as electric aircraft.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was a “thrill” to drive down the runway at an airport the region had been waiting 60 years for.

“Around half of the jobs here at Western Sydney Airport are from Western Sydney,” he said.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the $5.3 billion Commonwealth-funded airport was rapidly taking shape, with the entire project now 30 per cent complete.

“A significant amount of work has already been undertaken on this once-in-a-generation project, with more than 23 million cubic metres of earth having been moved, with construction now ready to commence on the 3.7 kilometre runway,” he said.

“Once complete, this state-of-the-art airport will be capable of receiving the world’s largest passenger aircraft, positioning Western Sydney as an international gateway and providing a significant economic boost to the region.

Sustainability will remain a key focus on the airfield as well as in the terminal, with the efficient design reducing fuel burn and emissions. Lighting will be LED with recycled content used for construction wherever possible.

Crushed sandstone from tunnelling projects across Sydney will be reused as a high-strength foundation to support construction of the runway, taxiways and roads.

Western Sydney International is on track to open to international, domestic and air cargo services in late 2026.