Western Sydney International Airport, located at Badgerys Creek, is preparing to welcome its first passenger flights on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The opening marks the culmination of decades of debate, planning, political disagreement and construction aimed at providing Sydney with a second major airport.

The idea of building another airport for Sydney dates back to 1946, when Australia's aviation industry was expanding after the Second World War. Governments repeatedly examined possible locations, but disagreements over cost, environmental impacts, noise and the suitability of proposed sites delayed a final decision for decades.

Several locations were considered, including areas around Wyong, Goulburn, Richmond and north-west Sydney. In 1973, the Whitlam government selected Galston as a possible site. The proposal faced substantial opposition, including demonstrations in Canberra and Sydney. The government reversed its decision less than a year later, citing financial and environmental concerns, as well as the location's proximity to the Richmond Royal Australian Air Force base.

In 1979, a government study identified Badgerys Creek as a possible location should Sydney eventually need a second airport. The area remained under consideration for years, but the project continued to face political disputes and community resistance.

The decision finally moved forward in 2014, when the federal government confirmed Badgerys Creek as the location. Funding and approvals followed, and construction began in 2018. Over the next eight years, the largely rural site was transformed into a major aviation facility, including a passenger terminal, cargo precinct and a 3.7-kilometre runway.

According to the ABC, the airport cost approximately $5.6 billion to build and involved around 10,000 workers. It has been designed to handle up to 10 million passengers and 1.8 million tonnes of cargo annually.

The opening has generated excitement among aviation enthusiasts and travellers. Matthew Hayes, a 20-year-old transport enthusiast who watched the site develop from childhood, described the milestone as the realisation of a long-held dream. Other supporters see the airport as an important addition to Sydney's transport infrastructure.

However, the project remains controversial for some residents. Communities near the airport have raised concerns about aircraft noise, overnight freight operations, transport connections and delays to promised sound insulation for affected homes. Cargo flights have already operated since July, with some residents reporting disrupted sleep.

Seven passenger airlines have signed up to operate from the airport, including Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand and Qatar Airways. Planned international services include destinations such as Doha, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City.

The airport's opening represents a major development in Australia's aviation history, but its long-term success will depend not only on passenger and freight operations, but also on how effectively authorities address local residents' concerns and provide transport links to the new facility