Western Sydney Airport. Photo: Steve Tritton / Shutterstock Western Sydney International Airport has reached a key milestone with New Zealand's national carrier, Air New Zealand. The latter has officially put tickets on sale for its first international services from the new airport, connecting Sydney’s west directly to Auckland.
The new route, which will give travelers another option for trans-Tasman travel when services begin on October 26, 2026, will also mark the first international flights operating from the new 24-hour airport.
Air New Zealand. Photo: moh_bagusov2 / ShutterstockAirport chief executive Simon Hickey welcomed the launch: “We’re delighted to have Air New Zealand as a trusted partner, with the airline significantly advancing its flight schedule to take off from WSI in October, operating trans-Tasman services three times a week between WSI and Auckland,” he said.
He added that the route will improve connectivity for passengers in Western Sydney and surrounding areas, offering more convenience alongside what he described as a modern terminal experience.
Air New Zealand will operate three return services via A321 and A320 aircraft each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Flights will leave Auckland at 6:05am local time and arrive in Western Sydney at 7:50am. The return service will depart at 9am and arrive back in Auckland at 2:15pm.
Air New Zealand general manager short-haul and domestic Lucy Hall: “Flying directly into Western Sydney opens up a catchment of more than 2.5 million people, including a significant New Zealand community, and supports stronger business, tourism and visiting friends and family links between our two countries,” she said.
She added that the airline will continue to serve Sydney’s main international airport while expanding choice for passengers.
Government officials also welcomed the announcement. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the new connection would deepen ties between Australia and New Zealand as travel demand continues to recover.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper described the launch as a significant step for Western Sydney International Airport and part of a wider strategy to grow the state’s visitor economy.
Air New Zealand’s entry into Western Sydney has also been supported through the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, a joint initiative aimed at attracting new routes and boosting international arrivals. The new airport will operate 24 hours a day starting in the second half of the year, offering integrated operations, a next-gen baggage system, a digitally enabled terminal with biometrics, and short taxi times designed to maximize aircraft utilization.