FIRST LOOK AT SYDNEY'S NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AS 24-HOUR TERMINAL IS UNVEILED

The sleek interiors of Sydney's new 24-hour international airport have been revealed ahead of the terminal's grand opening next year.  

Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA) has been unveiled for the first time following an eight-year building project which included a 3.7km runway. 

WSIA will operate on a 24-hour schedule, unlike Kingsford Smith - the city's current airport in Mascot - which closes at 11pm and opens at 6am each day due to noise restrictions. 

Planners will now focus on fitting out the shops and airline lounges in the terminal, where international and domestic gates will be under one roof. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese applauded the completion of the terminal's major construction as he fronted reporters on Wednesday. 

'When we talk about Building Australia's Future, I think about Western Sydney International Airport,' he said. 

'I think about the vision, persistence and cooperation that has led us here to this milestone. I think about the jobs and opportunity that this project has delivered and will deliver for Sydney and for Australia.

'This airport will drive economic growth and turbocharge productivity.'

The roof of the new terminal is lined with more than 6,000 solar panels to reduce the airport's carbon dioxide footprint.

It also features a rainfall collection system with the collected water to be used in bathrooms, irrigation and cooling towers.

More than 2,000 workers spent nine million man hours building the terminal.

'Since the first sod was turned, nearly half our workforce has hailed from Western Sydney,' WSI CEO Simon Hickey said.

'With around a third learning on the job, the region should be immensely proud of this new terminal as so many workers, businesses, manufacturers and suppliers have literally helped bring it to life. This is their legacy.' 

Mr Hickey said the terminal's design was inspired by the natural beauty.

'People will love spending time in this terminal,' he said.

'They can enjoy the iconic vistas of the surrounding Blue Mountains that are reflected in our stunning feature ceiling and take in the thoughtful design and materials like the extensive use of beautiful sandstone sourced from a quarry on the Central Coast.' 

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said it was 'on time and on budget and gearing up to open in 2026'.

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2025-06-11T23:46:00Z