Australia has opened a major new airport for the first time in more than 50 years. Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek, about 60 km west of central Sydney, opened to passengers on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The airport cost A$5.6 billion, about $3.94 billion, and operates 24 hours a day, unlike Sydney’s existing airport, which is limited to takeoffs and landings between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. It has capacity for more than 80 million passenger movements a year.
Built on a 1,780-hectare site bought by the federal government in the 1980s, the airport was completed in July 2025 after a seven-year build and 15 years of planning. Cargo flights began in July 2026.
The first outbound passenger flight was a Jetstar service to the Gold Coast on Sunday, with Auckland services due to begin on October 26. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “For the first time in more than 50 years, Australia is opening a major new airport. It’s a milestone that has been decades in the making.”
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Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.