Qantas and Jetstar will connect Western Sydney to some of Australia’s favourite domestic destinations, with Jetstar to launch the first commercial passenger service when Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) opens on Sunday 25 October 2026.
The announcement follows the Qantas Group and WSI finalising a five-year agreement for domestic passenger flights and freight that will enable both airlines to build their schedule as demand for services grows in Western Sydney.
Jetstar will make history as the first commercial passenger flight to take off from the airport when JQ362 departs at 11am on 25 October to the Gold Coast. The airline will operate up to 14 flights a week between WSI and Melbourne, four weekly flights to the Gold Coast and three weekly flights to Brisbane*. All flights will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft.
Qantas operations will begin on 28 March 2027 with four flights per week to both Melbourne and Brisbane on a QantasLink Embraer E190.
Qantas will also be one of the first commercial airlines to fly from the airport when its inaugural freighter service takes off from WSI’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct on the evening of Monday 27 July.
These flights grow the overall number of flights to the Sydney basin and are in addition to the airlines’ services from Kingsford Smith Airport.
Special launch fares for Qantas and Jetstar flights from WSI are available for purchase later this morning with one-way economy fares available from $59^ on Jetstar to the Gold Coast and from $99* (economy) or $299 (business) on Qantas to Melbourne and Brisbane. All Qantas fares are inclusive of meals and baggage.
With the final terminal fit-out works taking place at Australia’s first major international greenfield airport in more than 50 years, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government The Hon Catherine King MP joined senior executives from Qantas and Western Sydney International Airport at the terminal for the historic announcement.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said:
“This is a major milestone for Australian aviation and one that has been years in the making. We’re incredibly proud that Jetstar will be the first Australian airline to begin operations at Western Sydney International Airport and Qantas will follow early next year.
“We’re excited by the potential of Western Sydney International Airport to spur local tourism and make aviation more accessible for millions of people in Western Sydney, who currently have to travel to Kingsford Smith to catch a flight.
“Jetstar has an incredible history of growing new markets and being the first airline to launch will give one of the country’s fastest growing regions better access to low fares to some of our most popular destinations.
“We know there’s growing demand for customers in Western Sydney and we’re proud to be working with Gold Coast Airport and Tourism and Events Queensland to make our services to South East Queensland a reality.
“WSI will also become a key hub for Qantas Freight, with more than 850 tonnes of freight expected to move through our new terminal each week helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries.”
Western Sydney International Airport Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said:
“Mark your calendars, as the countdown is officially on to welcome our inaugural passengers to Sydney’s new state-of-the art terminal when the very first commercial passenger flight takes off for the Gold Coast on Sunday 25 October.
“These Qantas and Jetstar services will give Western Sydney’s frequent business and leisure travellers more choice and flexibility to fly from Sydney’s new 24-hour gateway to some of our nation’s most popular east coast hubs, with flight expected to grow over the years ahead.
“Despite the ongoing global conflict that continues to challenge the industry, today’s domestic ticket launch is another vote of confidence in Western Sydney International Airport, and the opportunities this rapidly growing region presents for the future of air travel in Greater Sydney.
“We’re also delighted to welcome Qantas Freight to our integrated 24-hour Cargo Precinct from Monday 27 July, which will help boost our city’s air cargo capacity and ensure people get critical goods more efficiently while supporting businesses to grow and reach new global markets.”
SCHEDULES:
Qantas flights from 28 March 2027*
