Western Sydney Airport Local Community

16/07/2026

Qantas Freight test flights - updated schedule
As part of this testing, live aircraft operations are occurring, including aircraft arrivals and departures.
Below is the updated schedule for the planned test flights. Please note that times and aircraft types may change at short notice, subject to operational requirements
During testing, aircraft will use the published flight paths that took effect on 9 July 2026, subject to air traffic control instructions and operational requirements.
Friday 17 July 2026
Aircraft: A321
Arrival: Approximately 9:25 am
Saturday 18 July 2026
Aircraft: BAE 146
Arrival: approximately 11:30 am
Departure: approximately 3:30 pm
Aircraft: A321
Departure: approximately 4:25 pm
Sunday 19 July 2026
Aircraft: BAE 146
Arrival: approximately 11:30 am
Departure: approximately 3:30 pm
Monday 20 July 2026
Aircraft: A330
Arrival: approximately 1:45 pm
Tuesday 21 July 2026
Aircraft: A330
Departure: approximately 6:40 pm
Friday 24 July 2026
Aircraft: B737-400
Arrival: approximately 10:00am
Departure: approximately 3:00pm
These flights form part of operational readiness and testing activities ahead of the commencement of freight operations at WSI on 26 July 2026.

13/07/2026

A historic milestone for our region today.
Western Sydney Airport recorded its first official landing, with a Qantas A321 freighter touching down as part of the airport’s operational ramp‑up.
Adding a special local connection to the moment, the captain flying today’s aircraft is related to the Hughes family from Luddenham a great link between the village and this major national project.
All major media outlets were onsite to capture the occasion. A proud day for Luddenham and the Western Sydney community. Updated departure time of around 8pm

13/07/2026

Now hearing that the plane will land at around 1:40

13/07/2026

Change of plans for todays landing now between 12pm-12.20pm and it will be a Qantas A321 freighter aircraft.

08/07/2026

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), in conjunction with Qantas Freight, will be undertaking testing activities within the Cargo Precinct at the new airport site. As part of this testing, live aircraft operations will occur, including aircraft arrivals and departures.
Aircraft participating in the testing will operate on the published flight paths, which come into effect on 9 July 2026.
Subject to weather and operational requirements, the planned test flights are scheduled as follows:
Monday 13 July 2026
• Aircraft: A330
• Arrival: Approximately 12:15 pm
• Departure: Approximately 8:45 pm
Friday 17 July 2026
• Aircraft: A321
• Arrival: Approximately 9:25 am
• Departure: Approximately 8:05 pm
Saturday 18 July 2026
• Aircraft: BAE 146
• Arrival: Approximately 11:30 am
• Departure: Approximately 3:30 pm
Sunday 19 July 2026
• Aircraft: BAE 146
• Arrival: Approximately 11:30 am
• Departure: Approximately 3:30 pm
These flights form part of operational readiness and testing activities ahead of the commencement of freight operations at WSI on 26 July 2026.

08/07/2026

The Luddenham Progress Association (LPA) has slammed the decision to move overnight freight flights that currently go over Botany Bay at Sydney Airport to the curfew-free Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).

The government is relying on a 30-year-old piece of legislation - written long before Western Sydney International Airport was confirmed - to redirect overnight freight flights from the east to the west.

23/06/2026

21/06/2026

This is not fairness - This is noise dumping, pure and simple.

Western Sydney residents deserve fairness — not more noise.
The Government has confirmed that from 1 November 2026, all overnight freight flights currently allowed at Sydney Airport during curfew hours will be moved to Western Sydney International.
These flights have always operated over water to avoid disturbing communities. Now they’ll be redirected over homes in Western Sydney. We should not be treated as a second-class community. We’re calling on all sides of politics to commit to keeping these over water flights where they belong at Sydney Airport. Let’s stand together for a fair go.

17/06/2026

Important update following an announcement by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, regarding key opening dates and operational changes for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI).
Freight Operations – from 26 July 2026
Freight operations at WSI will commence on Sunday 26 July 2026. Qantas Freight has confirmed it will begin operating from the airport from Monday 27 July 2026.
Freight flights are expected to operate during both daytime and night-time hours, with schedules likely to vary between weekdays and weekends. Flight times and frequencies will be determined by individual airlines and the airport operator. Community members are encouraged to visit the operators' website for flight schedules or contact the airport directly.
Passenger Operations – from 25 October 2026
Passenger services at WSI are scheduled to begin on Sunday 25 October 2026, with both domestic and international flights planned.
Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have confirmed international services, while Qantas and Jetstar have announced their domestic routes. Community members are encouraged to check airline websites directly for the latest flight schedules and service information.
Test flights
Ahead of operations, WSI Airport and Qantas will undertake a series of test flights in July and September 2026, using the aircraft that will operate from the airport. We will provide further updates on these flights as information becomes available.
Changes to Sydney Airport Curfew Operations – from 1 November 2026
From Sunday 1 November 2026, changes to Sydney Airport’s curfew arrangements will take effect.
In line with the Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995, freight flights currently permitted during curfew hours (11pm–6am) will no longer be allowed.
Freight operators will need to relocate these services to WSI or reschedule flights outside curfew hours. Limited exceptions will continue to apply for emergencies or where special dispensation is granted.
It is expected that freight operators such as Qantas Freight will transition their existing night-time freight operations from Sydney Airport to WSI from 27 July 2026, and as a result, communities may begin to experience night operations from this date.

17/06/2026

The WSI community team is popping up in Warragamba this weekend.

Our community team is popping up in Warragamba this weekend 👋 to share updates, answer questions and talk all things Western Sydney International (Nancy‑Bird Walton) Airport.

Pop-up details: ⤵️
Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Warragamba Town Hall
Address: 15b Fourteenth Street, Warragamba NSW 2752

Come say hi, and let’s talk about what’s happening at your new airport.