Air New Zealand has confirmed it will operate flights from the new Western Sydney International Airport.
Major construction at the site, 44km from Sydney’s CBD, is now complete with the terminal unveiled on Wednesday.
Western Sydney International chief executive Simon Hickey said the “24-hour international gateway” terminal would create “significant economic opportunities for all of Greater Sydney”.
New Zealand’s national carrier planned to begin operations in 2027, contingent on aircraft availability and passenger demand.
Qantas, Jetstar, and Singapore Airlines had already signalled their intent to operate from the new airport.
At Sydney Airport in Mascot, more than 50 airlines fly in and out, the vast majority being overseas carriers.
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said the new airport represented an “exciting step forward” for Australian aviation.
“We’re delighted to be the first trans-Tasman carrier to signal our intent to operate there as we continue to grow.”
He said the route signalled Air New Zealand’s commitment to stronger connections between New Zealand and Australia.
“We’re looking forward to offering customers our world-class Air New Zealand service to and from a world-class new airport.”
Public transport delays
The Western Sydney Airport Metro Line, linking the new aviation precinct to Sydney’s public transport network, has been delayed with visitors unable to use the service until at least April 2027.
“Major projects like these are inherently complex and this project has faced impacts due to industrial relations and supply chain disruption,” a Sydney Metro spokesperson told ABC News.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also acknowledged the delay.
“It is true that not everything will be operating on day one, but a lot of work has been done and considerable investment to ensure this airport is accessible.”
