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30 July, 2024

VIDEO: Watch as Western Sydney International airport caps off stage with terminal roof completion

Edited by Travel Weekly

The terminal roof of Sydney’s new 24-hour international airport is now complete, reaching a major construction milestone today (Wednesday) with internal fit-out now set to accelerate.

The Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is now more than 80 per cent complete, with domestic, international and air cargo services expected to commence from late 2026.

Completion of the roof represents important progress for the project as it weatherproofs the building, allowing for the acceleration of internal works like the feature ceiling, departure areas, lounges and retail space.

“The countdown is well and truly on – it won’t be long until the people of Western Sydney will be flying out of their brand new 24-hour international airport,” Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.

“I’m excited to witness the latest construction progress, especially the completion of the terminal roof, which is the culmination of about 18 months hard work by more than 100 tradespeople, many of whom are Western Sydney locals.

“The project has also shown strong support for domestic manufacturers – with steel for the roof sourced here in Australia. The airport has also invested more than half a billion dollars with hundreds of Western Sydney businesses since construction began in 2017.”

King was joined at the event by WSI CEO Simon Hickey.

“We’re pleased to unveil the latest progress of Western Sydney International Airport to the world and give passengers, airlines and businesses a sneak peek of what to expect when we open in just two and a half years’ time,” Hickey said.

“With less than 20 per cent of the airport build remaining, we’re really getting to the pointy end of construction and getting a strong sense of the terrific experience our customers will enjoy when they catch their first flight in 2026.”

Hickey said WSI is fast approaching opening day, at which point the airport will be able to cater for 10 million passengers each year.

“We have a clear roadmap to become Sydney’s largest airport and primary international gateway. By 2063, WSI will be handling about 80 million annual passengers – that’s akin to the size of Hong Kong and London’s Heathrow airports today,” he said.

“This airport is an economic powerhouse that will bring unprecedented global connectivity and prosperity for Western Sydney, as it continues to attract billions of dollars in investment while generating thousands of training and job opportunities.”

More than 100 workers, many of whom are Western Sydney locals, have helped build the terminal roof over the last 18 months, while about 3,500 people across the broader workforce are bringing WSI to life each day.

The roof’s construction was supported by four tower cranes that performed thousands of lifts before being gradually decommissioned as roof works were completed. 

The more than 44,000sqm terminal roof structure – that includes fixed link bridges, piers and the terminal main building – is supported by more than 40km of Australian-made steel purlins and more than 3,500 tonnes of steelwork, primarily fabricated between Adelaide, Whyalla, Tamworth and Orange. 

In addition, more than 6,000 solar panels will be affixed to the terminal roof to help power terminal operations and the broader airport.

More than 100 workers, including many Western Sydney locals, helped build the roof over the past 18 months – part of a broader workforce of about 3,500 people bringing WSI to life each day.

More than 100 workers, including many from Western Sydney, helped build the roof over the past 18 months.

WSI also continues to support domestic manufacturers, with the new roof structure bolstered by more than 40 kilometres of Australian-made steel purlins and more than 3,500 tonnes of steelwork, primarily fabricated between Adelaide, Whyalla, Tamworth and Orange.

More than 6,000 solar panels will be affixed to the roof to help power terminal operations and the broader airport.

“This transformational project is attracting billions of dollars’ worth of investment into Western Sydney, which is our nation’s third largest economy and one of the fastest growing regions in the country,” Federal Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said.

“In addition to the existing construction workforce, future airport operations are anticipated to create thousands more jobs, which is fantastic news for the people of Western Sydney who’ll benefit from these employment opportunities without having to face a lengthy commute.”

Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley MP said Western Sydney Airport continues to support local jobs and the economy.

“I’m glad Australian-made products are generating much needed benefits in our community, and I am looking forward to the continued job creation for people and business in the area,” she said.

The final roof panels are put in place.

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Nancy-Bird Walton Airport Western Sydney International Airport