One of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects – and indeed the most impactful venture for travellers – Western Sydney Airport (Nancy-Bird Walton) recently hit a turning point, reaching over 80 per cent completion.
Bringing it closer to its opening day in 2026, a key milestone was the recent completion of the terminal roof, allowing internal work to progress, including the installation of the feature ceiling and preparation of departure areas, lounges and retail spaces. With the completion of the roof, the final crane was removed from WSI.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey noted that more than 100 workers, many from Western Sydney, were involved in building the terminal roof over the past 18 months, with a total workforce of around 3,500 continuing to advance the project daily.
“Western Sydney International Airport has supercharged employment opportunities in the region as construction has progressed and that prosperity is set to accelerate when airport operations commence in just over two years’ time,” Hickey said.
Volunteers are also doing their part for WSI, which eventually aims to become Australia’s largest air travel hub.
A team of 60 volunteers led by WSI recently planted over 750 trees as part of the airport’s conservation efforts. Volunteers from companies involved in building the airport, along with local residents, participated in the event, organised by the Rotary Club of Environment and Habitat.
This brings the total number of trees planted to over 2,200. Hickey said that these tree-planting events are part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and enhance more than 117 hectares of conservation land on the airport site.
Earlier this year, WSI announced the completion of the construction of its runway. At the time, Hickey lauded the airport’s design, which he says will ultimately speed up passengers’ journeys.
“Our runway’s smart terminal design will provide fast taxi times of just five minutes from both ends of the runway, getting our customers in the air or to the gate faster,” he explained.
“WSI will have the fastest minimum connection times of any airport on the east coast of Australia.”