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First flights from Western Sydney’s new airport go on sale

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
Western Sydney International Airport will open on 25 October 2026, with Jetstar the first airline off the blocks – and tickets are on sale today.

Sydney finally has a second airport. Tickets went on sale on 10 June for the first commercial passenger flights out of the new 24-hour Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), with Jetstar and Qantas connecting the city’s rapidly growing western suburbs to Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Jetstar will make history as the first commercial passenger airline to operate from the new airport when flight JQ362 lifts off at 11am on Sunday, 25 October 2026, bound for the Gold Coast. From that date, the low-cost carrier will operate up to 14 flights a week to Melbourne, four weekly flights to the Gold Coast, and three weekly flights to Brisbane – all aboard Airbus A320 aircraft carrying up to 188 passengers.

Australia's first new major airport in 50+ years is almost here. Western Sydney International Airport opens for cargo in July and passenger flights in October – with Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand already signed on.

Qantas will follow in March, with four weekly services to both Melbourne and Brisbane beginning 28 March 2027 on QantasLink Embraer E190 aircraft, featuring up to 10 business class seats.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey called it a landmark moment for travellers across Greater Sydney. “Mark your calendars, as the countdown is officially on," he said.

“These Qantas and Jetstar services will give Western Sydney’s frequent business and leisure travellers more choice and flexibility to fly from Sydney’s new 24-hour gateway to some of our nation’s most popular east coast hubs."

Jetstar Airbus A320 plane
Jetstar will make history as the first commercial passenger airline to operate from the new airport.

The airport, officially named after pioneering Australian aviator Nancy-Bird Walton, has been 15 years in the making. Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the moment was fast approaching.

“This is a big moment for Sydney, with passenger flights at Western Sydney Airport commencing in just 137 days," she said.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the airline was proud to be part of the milestone. “We’re excited by the potential of Western Sydney International Airport to spur local tourism and make aviation more accessible for millions of people in Western Sydney, who currently have to travel to Kingsford Smith to catch a flight."

“Jetstar has an incredible history of growing new markets and being the first airline to launch will give one of the country’s fastest-growing regions better access to low fares to some of our most popular destinations," she said.

Jetstar plane taking off
Jetstar will operate up to 14 flights a week from WSI.

WSI will also handle cargo well before its passenger terminal opens, with the airport’s integrated 24-hour Cargo Precinct set to open on 26 July 2026. Qantas Freight will be among the first operators, with an inaugural freighter taking off on the evening of Monday, 27 July. The airline expects more than 850 tonnes of freight to move through WSI each week.

The airport is designed to handle up to 10 million passengers a year from opening, with long-term capacity to grow to 82 million, comparable to London’s Heathrow today.

Jetstar Airbus A320 plane landing
Western Sydney International Airport will open on 25 October 2026, with Jetstar the first airline off the blocks.

WSI is the centrepiece of the Albanese Government’s near $18 billion investment in Western Sydney, including the future Sydney Metro Airport rail connection and significant road upgrades nearby.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that in 2011, when he commissioned a joint study with the NSW Government into a second airport, it wasn’t a matter of if Sydney needed a new airport, but when.

“15 years later, this new airport is almost ready to open. I want to thank the tens of thousands of people who, over the years, planned, built and are now testing Western Sydney International Airport and the surrounding infrastructure right here in Western Sydney," he said.

Passengers can access the terminal via the new toll-free M12 motorway, with over 6000 car parking spaces on site, and public bus services connecting from Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown and other surrounding suburbs from 5 July 2026.

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Qantas launches sale ahead of opening

Jetstar Airbus A320 plane
The airport is designed to handle up to 10 million passengers a year from opening.

To mark the occasion, Qantas has launched a domestic sale with 1.4 million discounted economy seats starting from $105 one-way across more than 190 routes. The sale covers travel between 22 July 2026 and 23 May 2027 – taking in spring and summer school holidays, Christmas and Easter – and closes at 11.59pm AEST on Tuesday 16 June. All fares include checked baggage and complimentary food and beverages.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.