Terminal construction begins at Western Sydney Airport

Announcing the major milestone onsite at the airport on Friday, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the airport’s construction was now one quarter complete.

“Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, work has continued to progress with nearly 22 million cubic metres of earth now moved to date across the site – which is about three times bigger than the Sydney CBD – and the airport on track to open in late 2026,” Fletcher said.

“Today we announce another important milestone has been reached, with work now underway on the new state-of-the-art integrated passenger terminal, which will have the capacity to handle up to 10 million passengers a year once open.”

Fletcher stated that the airport is being built “from the ground up” to prioritise a smooth customer experience and will “be a state-of-the art piece of infrastructure” that is “an integral element of the surrounding aerotropolis and the broader Western Parkland city”.

Also speaking onsite at the airport, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government’s $14 billion investment in the development of the airport and its supporting transport links is “transforming this powerhouse region, attracting investment and supporting jobs for generations to come”.

“Around 11,000 jobs will be supported during construction alone, and currently around one in two workers are from right here in Western Sydney, driving income and opportunity for families across the region,” Morrison said.

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“Tens of thousands more jobs will be created when the airport is up and running in 2026, and millions of travellers are arriving into Sydney’s newest airport every year.

“The airport will also play a crucial role in the nation’s aviation future, delivering dynamic global connections for the region and opening up even further possibilities for new routes and services.”

In June, the airport unveiled its final working designs for the airport terminal and its surrounds, which will also boast gardens filled with local native plants, and outdoor areas large enough to accommodate festivals.

Chief executive Simon Hickey said, “This will be Australia’s best airport terminal, unlike anything seen before in this country. It sets a new benchmark for what Australians will expect when they fly.”

Hickey said the designs, completed by Australian-founded company Multiplex, were largely inspired by the natural beauty of Australia and the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage, and had sustainability in mind as well.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the airport released new images showcasing the work already completed at the airport’s Badgery Creek site, after over 20 million cubic metres of earth has been cleared in preparation for the construction of the airport’s runway, taxiways and terminal, all due to begin construction in the coming months.

The airport has said it will use recycled materials, such as crushed sandstone, from other Sydney projects to reduce its environmental impact.

Initial earthworks on the 1,780-hectare site began in 2018, while major earthworks began in 2020. The airport is slated to open for business in 2026.