Sydney’s second international airport is set to launch with a strong global push, thanks to a $16 million aviation fund designed to attract international carriers and accelerate passenger growth from day one.
The Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, jointly backed by the NSW Government ($8 million) and Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) ($8 million), will provide financial incentives to airlines establishing new routes into WSI ahead of its late 2026 opening.
The fund is expected to deliver over 162,000 international visitors to NSW and generate an estimated $530 million in visitor expenditure, reinforcing the state’s goal of growing its visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035.
‘Open for Business’
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the funding comes at a crucial time as the airport gears up for its commercial launch.
“With tickets for our first flights set to go on sale later this year and our opening day rapidly approaching, this initial investment with the State Government is very welcome news and another strong signal that Western Sydney International Airport is well and truly open for business,” Hickey says.
“This airport – Sydney’s only 24-hour international gateway – will deliver a major boost to the state’s visitor economy and provide further support for the vibrant and diverse tourism attractions that NSW has to offer for both domestic and global travellers alike.”
Singapore Airlines has already signed on as WSI’s first international carrier, joining Qantas and Jetstar on domestic routes. With the Take-Off Fund in place, more airlines are expected to follow, providing greater choice for NSW travellers and accelerating WSI’s target of 10 million passengers annually in its early years.
A Critical Boost for Sydney’s Newest Airport
The Take-Off Fund will be administered by Destination NSW, the government’s lead agency for the visitor economy. Funding will be allocated on a case-by-case basis, with incentives such as passenger subsidies and marketing support based on the number of services and passengers an airline commits to over its first three years of operation.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said the fund would ensure WSI is a success.
“You only get to open a new airport once, that’s why we’re backing Western Sydney Airport to land new routes and ensure this once-in-a-generation opportunity is a runway success,” Graham says.
“Western Sydney Airport will be a massive growth engine for the NSW visitor economy. This fund will pour jet fuel into that engine.
“The more passengers we can bring in, the more spending across Western Sydney’s incredible food precincts, the sights of the Blue Mountains and the food and wine in the Central West.”
The funding builds on $10 billion in NSW-Federal investment in roads and transport infrastructure to connect WSI to Sydney’s broader transport network.
Built for Growth
WSI is being positioned not just as Sydney’s second international airport, but as a future global hub. Hickey emphasised the airport’s long-term vision.
“WSI is built for growth, with plans in place that will eventually see it become Sydney’s biggest international airport, handling more than 80 million annual passengers, which is akin to London’s Heathrow Airport today.”
With its 24-hour operations, growing airline interest, and strategic government backing, Western Sydney International Airport is set to take flight – ushering in a new era of connectivity and economic growth for NSW.
