Western Sydney Airport metro line completion delayed until after opening of new airport

Union industrial action and supply chain disruptions have been blamed for the construction delay of the Western Sydney Airport metro line — which will open almost a year after the new airport.

The Western Sydney Airport metro line is due to open in April 2027. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The first tracks have been laid on a new Metro line to Western Sydney Airport, but the first passengers flying into Sydney’s second international airport are set to be greeted by a construction site.

The construction milestone for the $11bn Western Sydney Airport metro line connecting St Marys and Bradfield comes despite industrial action delaying the project until April 2027.

Between now and mid-2026, 6400 tonnes of Australian-made steel will be laid along the 23km line: 106km of rail line and 76,285 sleepers.

The first section of track was laid in Luddenham, with track laying now progressing north.

Parklife Metro Construction Paul Rigby, Sydney Metro Head of Project Delivery Angela Jeffery and Parklife Metro Construction Director Richard Eaton. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the Metro line — jointly funded by the state and commonwealth governments — will eventually provide a 15 minute journey between St Marys and the airport.

“Every great airport needs a frequent and efficient rail link, and that’s what the Albanese and Minns governments are delivering,” she said.

Transport Minister John Graham said the Metro line would deliver Western Sydney “the same standard of infrastructure and connectivity that areas closer to the CBD already enjoy”.

The metro line is due to open in 2027. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Up to 6400 tonnes of Australian-made steel will be laid along the 23km metro line: 106km of rail line and 76,285 sleepers. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The Western Sydney Airport metro line was originally supposed to be completed by the time the airport is due to open, in mid-2026.

However, the time frame has since blown out to April 2027, according to Sydney Metro’s latest annual report.

Future Western Sydney will be streamed on April 4.

Mr Graham has blamed union industrial action and supply chain disruptions for the delays.

He said he has sought a “detailed briefing” from Sydney Metro on ways to fast-track the project.

This article is part of the Future Western Sydney series, which is proudly supported by Clubs NSW, Powerhouse, Transurban, Walker Corp, Western Sydney International Airport and Western Sydney University

Originally published as Western Sydney Airport metro line completion delayed until after opening of new airport