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Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has reached a significant construction milestone with the completion of the terminal’s roof.
The federal government says the airport is now 80 per cent complete, with internal works such as lounges, departure areas and retail space able to proceed in the weatherproof building. The roof also features more than 6,000 solar panels to help power the airport.
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“The countdown is well and truly on – it won’t be long until the people of Western Sydney will be flying out of their brand new 24-hour international airport,” said Transport Minister Catherine King.
“I’m excited to witness the latest construction progress, especially the completion of the terminal roof, which is the culmination of about 18 months hard work by more than 100 tradespeople, many of whom are Western Sydney locals.
“The project has also shown strong support for domestic manufacturers – with steel for the roof sourced here in Australia. The airport has also invested more than half a billion dollars with hundreds of Western Sydney businesses since construction began in 2017.”
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said he was pleased to unveil the latest progress on Sydney’s second airport.
“With less than 20 per cent of the airport build remaining, we’re really getting to the pointy end of construction and getting a strong sense of the terrific experience our customers will enjoy when they catch their first flight in 2026,” he said.
“We have a clear roadmap to become Sydney’s largest airport and primary international gateway. By 2063, WSI will be handling about 80 million annual passengers – that’s akin to the size of Hong Kong and London’s Heathrow airports today.
“This airport is an economic powerhouse that will bring unprecedented global connectivity and prosperity for Western Sydney, as it continues to attract billions of dollars in investment while generating thousands of training and job opportunities.”
Around 3,500 workers are employed to build the airport, which the government says is on track to open in 2026. According to Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, WSI is attracting “billions of dollars’ worth of investment into Western Sydney”.
“In addition to the existing construction workforce, future airport operations are anticipated to create thousands more jobs, which is fantastic news for the people of Western Sydney who’ll benefit from these employment opportunities without having to face a lengthy commute,” she said.
Surrounding infrastructure is also proceeding, with tunnels almost complete for the airport’s metro line as of last month and sod turned for the airport’s business precinct in April.
Additionally, the Draft Master Plan for the Bradfield “aerotropolis” was unveiled in February. Backed by more than $1 billion from the state government, the Bradfield aerotropolis is expected to include up to 10,000 new homes, with the government saying it will deliver 20,000 direct jobs. It is hoped the city will be established in line with the opening of WSI.
Qantas and Jetstar last June became the first airlines to confirm they will operate from the new airport when it opens in two and a half years.
