Western Sydney Airport one step closer to completion

Sydney’s new 24-hour international airport is celebrating a major construction milestone today, with the terminal roof complete and internal fit-out 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. 

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

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. 

WSI is a transformational infrastructure project that will generate economic activity, provide employment opportunities for people in the Western Sydney region, and meet Sydney's growing aviation needs.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“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. 

“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.”  

Quotes attributable to Finance Minister Katy Gallagher:

“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.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley MP:

“The Western Sydney Airport continues to support local jobs and our 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.”

MEDIA ASSETS: B-roll of the roof construction and tower crane timelapse vision is available for download here