The Minns Labor Government’s Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund has secured a critical route with Air New Zealand set to fly into Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI).
The services from Auckland are the first to be supported by the Minns Labor Government’s Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, which incentivises international airlines to fly into WSI ahead of its opening in late 2026. Air New Zealand follows Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Jetstar (domestic) as early champions of Australia’s first major greenfield airport in 50 years.
Securing these routes serviced by major international airlines will provide a direct connection between Western Sydney and the rest of the world, making it even easier to travel internationally and connecting the globe with Australia’s third largest economy – Western Sydney.
“Western Sydney International represents an exciting step forward for aviation in Australia, and we’re delighted to be the first trans-Tasman carrier to signal our intent to operate there as we continue to grow,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said.
“It’s a great opportunity to grow our network and better serve the rapidly expanding Western Sydney region,” he added. “This new route reflects our commitment to make travel more convenient for our customers and support stronger connections between New Zealand and Australia.
“We’re looking forward to offering customers our world-class Air New Zealand service to and from a world-class new airport.”
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According to Nielsen, Sydney is the top destination for New Zealanders travelling overseas with the state attracting 430,000 Kiwi visitors in the year end to December 2024. The new trans-Tasman route will complement Air New Zealand’s existing services into Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), giving greater opportunity for Kiwis to travel to NSW.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the new direct connection to Western Sydney will unlock incredible opportunities for local tourism, business and jobs.
“The economics are very simple, if we want to grow our visitor economy, we need more visitors,” he said. “The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Western Sydney International Airport and Air New Zealand to secure this new route that will boost the Western Sydney economy. I look forward to working with WSI to secure further new routes.”
Today’s announcement is part of the NSW Government’s strategy to grow the state’s aviation capacity by 8.5 million seats. It follows recent international flight wins for Sydney Airport and Newcastle Airport, secured through the Aviation Attraction Fund.
The $16 million Destination NSW-managed Take-Off Fund is made up of $8 million from the NSW Government and matched by WSI and is forecast to deliver over 162,000 international visitors to NSW and generate an estimated $530 million in visitor expenditure.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said, “I’d like to extend a warm ‘Kia Ora’ to our friends across the Tasman as we welcome Air New Zealand’s world-class services to Sydney’s new international gateway.
“This new strategic partnership supported by the Western Sydney International Take-off Fund will connect one of Australia’s most diverse and fastest growing regions – Western Sydney – with New Zealand’s largest city and main holiday gateway.”
Ticket details will be announced in due course with the first flights between Auckland and Western Sydney expected to commence from mid-2027 — an important milestone as the airport seeks to welcome an annual passenger volume of 10 million.
