Sydney’s new 24-hour Western Sydney airport secures first international airline

A new 24-hour airport is due to open in 2026 in Western Sydney and the first international airline to operate out of it has been revealed.

Singapore Airlines has been announced as the first international carrier to operate at Sydney’s new 24-hour airport when it opens in 2026.

The new $5.3 billion Western Sydney Airport (WSA) secured the major overseas carrier following discussions about the airline’s future operations at Australia’s first greenfield airport.

It will add Singapore flights to its existing plans for Qantas and Jetstar domestic flights as it nears 80 per cent of construction.

“This inaugural international airline arrangement is a fantastic milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and reflects the positive response we’ve had from airlines, especially in regard to the unprecedented opportunities our 24-hour capability unlocks,” WSI CEO Simon Hickey said.

The new $5.3 billion Western Sydney Airport is due to open in 2026. Picture: Supplied

Inside the new 24-hour airport. Picture: Supplied

Mr Hickey said securing Singapore Airlines was recognition of the airport’s “unique scheduling opportunities” that carriers will be able to harness into the future.

“Western Sydney International Airport’s late-night departure capacity, for instance, could allow Singapore Airlines’ business travellers to finish a full day’s work in Sydney, take an overnight flight and arrive in Singapore before their first morning meeting the very next day,” he explained.

“Late-night departures could also allow passengers to transit more swiftly from Singapore through their award-winning Changi Airport hub to connect to one of the 125 destinations served by the Singapore Airlines Group.”

It has secured Singapore Airlines as its first international carrier. Picture: iStock

He also noted the airport’s latest technology was another major drawcard for Singapore Airlines.

“Our combined international and domestic terminal will give Singapore Airlines customers a seamless transfer experience, while our state-of-the-art baggage system and efficient design, including five-minute taxi times on the tarmac, means passengers will be able to get on their flight faster and relax and enjoy the award-winning service on board,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and local government Catherine King and Local MP Anne Stanley at the new airport. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

The new 24-hour airport will be located in the state’s cultural heartland of Western Sydney where it’s expected to unlock new opportunities for the region’s residents.

“With the airport build now more than 80 per cent progressed – including the recent completion of our terminal roof – and today’s step forward to advance international airline negotiations, our diverse communities can really get a sense of their future airport, and the experience they’ll have flying from here in late 2026,” Mr Hickey said.

Singapore Airlines regional vice president South West Pacific, Louis Arul, said Australia is a major market for the carrier and the agreement reflects their commitment to enhancing network connectivity for travellers to and from Sydney.

“This is a unique opportunity to work with a greenfield airport to set a new baseline for customer experience throughout an airport ecosystem,” Mr Arul said.

“We are working closely with WSI to ensure that our customers will continue to enjoy the comprehensive, end-to-end, world-class experience that is synonymous with Singapore Airlines.”