Air New Zealand has officially signed on to operate flights into Western Sydney Airport (WSI), joining Qantas, Jetstar and Singapore Airlines as confirmed carriers for Australia’s newest airport.
Set to begin from mid-2027, the Western Sydney-Auckland route aims to capitalise on the 430,000 Kiwi visitors NSW welcomed last year. According to Nielsen, the state was the number one overseas destination for NZ travellers in 2024, which should put the route in good stead when it commences in two years.
The new trans-Tasman service is also the first supported under the NSW Government’s $16 million Take-Off Fund, part of a broader strategy to boost aviation capacity by 8.5 million seats.
The Take-Off Fund is jointly backed by Destination NSW and WSI, and is forecast to generate over $530 million in visitor spend and attract more than 162,000 international visitors to the state.
“Western Sydney International Airport is getting ready for take-off,” NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said.
“This is the first new route secured through the Minns Labor Government’s Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, and a route that I am sure will no doubt be very popular.
“Sydney is the top overseas city of choice for Kiwis, and this new direct connection to Western Sydney will unlock incredible opportunities for local tourism, business and jobs.
“The economics are very simple, if we want to grow our visitor economy, we need more visitors.”
Air New Zealand’s new route will complement its existing services into Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport, giving travellers more options and helping connect Western Sydney – Australia’s third-largest economy – to the world.
“Western Sydney International represents an exciting step forward for aviation in Australia, and we’re delighted to be the first trans-Tasman carrier to signal our intent to operate there as we continue to grow,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said.
“It’s a great opportunity to grow our network and better serve the rapidly expanding Western Sydney region.
“This new route reflects our commitment to make travel more convenient for our customers and support stronger connections between New Zealand and Australia.”
Scheduling and ticket details for the service will be announced closer to the Western Sydney Airport’s opening in 2026.
“Sydney’s new and only 24-hour airport is delighted to partner with Air Zealand and the NSW Government, giving travellers more choice and flexibility and connecting two much-loved destinations,” WSI CEO Simon Hickey said.
“I’d like to extend a warm ‘Kia Ora’ to our friends across the Tasman as we welcome Air New Zealand’s world-class services to Sydney’s new international gateway.
“This new strategic partnership supported by the Western Sydney International Take-off Fund will connect one of Australia’s most diverse and fastest growing regions – Western Sydney – with New Zealand’s largest city and main holiday gateway.”
Western Sydney International, also known as Nancy-Bird Walton Airport, recently ticked off a major milestone, completing construction of its runway and key airside infrastructure. The works, which include taxiways, lighting, drainage, fencing and landscaping, mark the first finished major piece of the future 24/7 Western Sydney Airport.
In August 2024, Singapore Airlines was revealed as the first international airline to operate at WSI.
