Western Sydney airport begins passenger operations

Western Sydney International began passenger operations on October 25, 2026, with a Jetstar flight to the Gold Coast as its first commercial departure. Air New Zealand’s Auckland service made the airport’s first international passenger arrival the following morning, marking the start of its scheduled international operations. Jetstar flight JQ362 took off on Sunday, October 25. Air New Zealand flight NZ165 landed from Auckland on Monday, October 26. The airport’s first international departure, Air New Zealand flight NZ166 to Auckland, followed later that morning. Reports placed NZ165’s arrival at about 7:30 a.m.; the plane left around an hour and a half later. Air New Zealand said it would operate three return services a week between Auckland and Western Sydney International. Flights are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through March 2027, changing to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from April. The airline described the new route as a way to serve ties between western Sydney and New Zealand, including family, business and trade connections. The airport, also known as Western Sydney International Nancy-Bird Walton Airport, is in Luddenham, about 44 to 45...