Western Sydney International Airport Is Now Open, But Sydney Is Still Planning A $3 Billion Terminal Overhaul

Western Sydney International Airport (Nancy-Bird Walton) opened on Sunday, making Sydney a two-airport city. The new Western Sydney International (WSI) milestone doesn’t slow the $3 billion AUD terminal overhaul planned for Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD). In August, the Australian Federal Government approved SYD’s Master Plan 2045, clearing the way for redevelopment focused on domestic terminals two and three. Construction is expected to start in 2028 and take about three years, with major changes around 2031. SYD forecasts 72.6 million passengers annually by 2045, while WSI expects more than 80 million per year by 2063, supporting complementary roles rather than direct competition.