Air New Zealand to Fly into Western Sydney Airport From 2026

The New South Wales Government’s Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund on Wednesday said that it 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 supported the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, which incentivises international airlines to fly into WSI ahead of its opening in late 2026, and follow 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.

Sydney is the top destination for New Zealanders travelling overseas with the state attracting 430,000 visitors from New Zealand in 2024. The new trans-Tasman route will complement Air New Zealand’s existing services into Kingsford Smith Airport, giving greater opportunity for Kiwis to travel to NSW. 

Wednesday’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.

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.

New South Wales Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said that WSI Airport was getting ready for take-off. This is the first new route secured through the New South Wales government for the Fund and a route that he was sure will no doubt be very popular.

He pointed out that Sydney is the top overseas city of choice for Kiwis, and this 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. Our government is proud to have worked with WSI 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,” he added.

More Choice for Travellers

WSI CEO Simon Hickey said that Sydney’s new and only 24-hour airport is delighted to partner with Air Zealand and the NSW Government, giving travellers more choice and flexibility and connecting two much-loved destinations. 

“This new strategic partnership supported by the Western Sydney International Take-off Fund will connect Western Sydney, one of Australia’s most diverse and fastest growing regions, with New Zealand’s largest city and main holiday gateway,” he added.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said that WSI represents an exciting step forward for aviation in Australia, and they were delighted to be the first trans-Tasman carrier to signal intent to operate there as they continued to grow.

“It’s a great opportunity to grow our network and better serve the rapidly expanding Western Sydney region. This new route reflects our commitment to make travel more convenient for our customers and support stronger connections between New Zealand and Australia,” Foran added.