100 days to go: Air New Zealand to be the first international airline at new Western Sydney Airport

Saturday 18 July marks 100 days until Air New Zealand becomes the first international airline to touch down at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), giving Western Sydney residents direct access to New Zealand and beyond through the airline's extensive domestic and international network.

Flight Schedule (from 26 October 2026)
- Auckland → WSI
-- Monday, Wednesday, Friday
-- Depart: 6:00 am (local time)
-- Arrive: 7:45 am (local time)
- WSI → Auckland
-- Monday, Wednesday, Friday
-- Depart: 8:55 am (local time)
-- Arrive: 2:10 pm (local time)
- Operated by A320/A321 aircraft.

Fares
- One-way “Seat Only” fares start at $319 NZD.
- Tickets available now via airnewzealand.co.nz.

Strategic Significance
- Air New Zealand becomes the inaugural international airline at WSI.
- Offers customers a second Sydney option alongside Kingsford Smith.
- Connects directly to Western Sydney’s 2.5 million residents, including a large Kiwi community.

Leadership Voices
- Kath O’Brien (Air NZ GM Australia):
-- Highlights Western Sydney as one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
-- Notes the service strengthens business and tourism links.
- Simon Hickey (WSI CEO):
-- Emphasizes WSI’s state-of-the-art terminal, digital check-in, retail by Lagardère AWPL, and views of the Blue Mountains.
-- Calls it Sydney’s new 24-hour global gateway.

This move positions Air New Zealand as a pioneer partner in WSI’s international growth, while giving travelers more flexibility across the Tasman.