Western Sydney International Airport: A first look inside the new terminal
Australia’s newest hub, Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), has marked the completion of the main construction works and unveiled its flagship terminal, ahead of its launch next year.
The design of the airport has involved internationally renowned practices including Zaha Hadid Architects, and features a “climate-responsive facade”, and more than 6,000 solar panels on the roof.
WSI is on track to open for domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026.
The airport’s operators say passengers flying out of WSI will experience a “streamlined departure with access to next generation technology to help them move through the airport at speed, while both domestic and international gates are under one roof, making travellers connections simple and efficient”.
See inside Western Sydney International Airport’s brand new terminal
Images released show a modern airport structure, focused on natural materials, space and light.
With the main construction of the terminal complete, work will focus on the retail areas and airline lounges.
WSI says the airport is still on track to open for domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026.
“Global architecture leaders Zaha Hadid Architects, based in London, and one of our nation’s top firms COX Architecture were selected to develop the initial design concepts of WSI following a competition in 2019 that attracted more than 40 international and domestic proposals,” WSI CEO Simon Hickey said.
“Fast forward six years and WSI is on the precipice of launching a seamless and stress-free airport experience unlike any other in Australia, giving our global city a 24-hour international gateway that will continue to create significant economic opportunities for all of Greater Sydney.”
Expanding to meet the demand
The project includes extensive airside and landside works. CPB Contractors and ACCIONA Joint Venture delivered the 3.7km runway and associated airside infrastructure. AeroWest, a joint venture between BMD Constructions and Seymour Whyte Construction, led the completion of landside facilities including bridges, roads, car parks, and utilities.
“People will love spending time in this terminal as they enjoy the iconic vistas of the surrounding Blue Mountains that are reflected in our stunning feature ceiling and take in the thoughtful design and materials like the extensive use of beautiful sandstone that was sourced from a quarry on the Central Coast,” Hickey said.
“Visitors will be welcomed by the stories of Dharug country that will connect the world with more than 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture while also highlighting the vibrant communities of Western Sydney.”
The completion of WSI’s major works comes against a backdrop of growing pressure to meet long-term global aviation demand.
Airbus has increased its forecast for new aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years to 43,400 units, citing rising passenger numbers, expanding middle-class demographics and the continuing growth of urban populations.
The expansion of airports such as WSI will play a crucial role in accommodating this surge, particularly in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region.
