Western Sydney International Airport welcomed its first commercial passengers on Sunday, 25 October 2026, as Jetstar flight JQ362 departed for the Gold Coast. The flight marked the start of passenger operations at the Nancy-Bird Walton Airport after years of planning, construction and testing.

The Australian Government identified the Gold Coast service as the airport’s first passenger flight. ABC News subsequently reported that the aircraft took off shortly before 11:30am local time. The government says the airport will handle both domestic and international services, with the first international flight planned for Monday, 26 October.

The new airport gives travellers another departure point in the Sydney region. Routes, schedules and connections will develop as airlines begin operating from the site; travellers should check their airline for current flight details.

Sources: Australian Government, “First Passengers Lift Off from WSI” (25 October 2026): https://www.pm.gov.au/media/first-passengers-lift-wsi ; ABC News, “Western Sydney International Airport opens to passengers” (25 October 2026): https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-25/western-sydney-international-airport-open-day-sunday-october-25/107293784

Image: AI-generated conceptual editorial illustration of a passenger aircraft departing a generic airport. It is not a photograph of the actual flight or Western Sydney International Airport.