Air New Zealand commits to Western Sydney as Jetstar prepares to put flights on sale

The shiny new terminal of Western Sydney’s airport has airlines excited, a fourth carrier has signed on and Jetstar is preparing to start selling flights.

Jetstar plans to begin selling seats on flights out of Western Sydney International Airport later this year, tapping into growing excitement about the new gateway and its glossy, light-filled terminal.

The commitment came after Air New Zealand announced its intention to launch flights to Auckland from Western Sydney from mid-2027, becoming the fourth carrier to sign on to the airport.

Jetstar chief executive Steph Tully said the airline planned to set up a crew and pilot base at Western Sydney, and that 10 aircraft would be stationed there.

“Many of our people already live out that way, so it creates an incredible opportunity not only for the customer but the people who work for us,” Ms Tully said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Transport Minister Catherine King on Wednesday joined Western Sydney Airport chief Simon Hickey to inspect the freshly completed terminal.

Catering to both domestic and international passengers, the terminal marks a major milestone for the $5.3bn airport which is on track to be officially opened late next year.

Mr Hickey said the 24/7 operations at Western Sydney were clearly attractive to airlines, resulting in Air New Zealand’s commitment, following on from that of Singapore Airlines and Qantas.

“It really is an economic advantage and with 40 years of land planning (around WSIA) it’s very beneficial for Western Sydney and Sydney to have a 24/7 airport,” he said.

“It means you can more seamlessly and easily travel to and from places like Perth, and even Melbourne and Brisbane, so it’s a real benefit that we have not had in the past, and it is obviously very attractive for cargo, which does like to come in at night.”

An aerial view of the completed Western Sydney Airport terminal and runway, due to begin operations in late 2026. Picture: WSIA

Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson said it was the “first airline group” to commit to Western Sydney with a total of 15 aircraft to be based there, including Jetstar’s.

“We will have a presence in Western Sydney that will be significant from day one,” Ms Hudson said.

“As we get closer (to the opening) our plans will firm up and we’ll announce our schedule.”

Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said the new airport represented an “exciting step forward for aviation in Australia”.

“We’re delighted to be the first trans-Tasman carrier to signal our intent to operate there as we continue to grow,” Mr Foran said.

“This new route reflects our commitment to making travel more convenient for our customers and supporting stronger connections between New Zealand and Australia.”

Inside the cavernous Western Sydney Airport terminal. Picture: Trevor Mein.

He said the service would complement existing flights into Kingsford Smith Airport, which was restricted by a curfew.

Although Western Sydney was located 44km from the city’s central business district, Mr Hickey denied the distance could be off-putting to travellers.

A Sydney Metro rail link to the airport was scheduled to be in service in time for the opening, connecting to two on-site stations and the business park.

Mr Hickey said access by road would also be a “breeze” with the new M12 motorway connecting to the M7.

“That M7 ultimately connects to many motorways across Sydney, but the main thing for me is that means you can be on a motorway from the airport all the way in Parramatta or the CBD and the first time you’re going to get a set of traffic lights is when you get off the motorway,” he said.

“So all the way from the airport to the city without a set of traffic lights. You’ll also be able to easily get up to the Blue Mountains, so we’re well connected for day one and that will continue to grow.”

Originally published as Air New Zealand commits to Western Sydney as Jetstar prepares to put flights on sale