Jetstar & Qantas unveil Western Sydney Airport flight plans

By Andrew Curran.

Jetstar will begin scheduled passenger flights from Western Sydney Airport (WSI) on October 25, 2026, while Qantas will wait until March 28, 2027, before commencing its flights. The news comes in the wake of the Qantas Group signing a five-year agreement with the airport.

Initially, Jetstar will operate up to 14 weekly flights to Melbourne (MEL), four weekly flights to Gold Coast/Coolangatta (OOL), and three weekly flights to Brisbane (BNE). All Jetstar services will be operated by Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

When Qantas begins flying from Western Sydney Airport, it will initially operate four weekly flights to Melbourne and Brisbane using Embraer E190-100 aircraft.

Qantas Freight will also begin operations from WSI on July 27. The airport’s freight precinct is opening ahead of the passenger terminal, which is still undergoing final fit-out works.

Jetstar becomes first passenger carrier to fly from WSI

Jetstar’s launch date beats Air New Zealand’s planned WSI debut by one day. Singapore Airlines, the only other passenger carrier to formally commit to the greenfield airport, will commence flights on November 23.

“This is a major milestone for Australian aviation and one that has been years in the making,” said Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson.

“We’re incredibly proud that Jetstar will be the first Australian airline to begin operations at Western Sydney International Airport, and Qantas will follow early next year.

“Jetstar has an incredible history of growing new markets, and being the first airline to launch will give one of the country’s fastest-growing regions better access to low fares to some of our most popular destinations

“We’re excited by the potential of Western Sydney International Airport to spur local tourism and make aviation more accessible for millions of people in Western Sydney who currently have to travel to Kingsford Smith Airport to catch a flight.

“WSI will also become a key hub for Qantas Freight, with more than 850 tonnes of freight expected to move through our new terminal each week, helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries.”

Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the Qantas Group flights represented “another vote of confidence in Western Sydney International Airport, and the opportunities this rapidly growing region presents for the future of air travel in greater Sydney”.

Hickey added that WSI was “delighted” to see Qantas Freight begin flights in July.

“These services will help boost our city’s air cargo capacity and ensure people receive critical goods more efficiently, while supporting businesses to grow and reach new global markets,” he said.

Gulf carriers still to commit to WSI

The Australian Government recently announced new bilateral rights allowing daily flights from Qatar and the UAE to Western Sydney Airport. However, none of the Gulf carriers have yet announced services to the airport, despite previously expressing interest.

But Emirates-owned ground handling and logistics company dnata is building a large facility at WSI.

Virgin Australia has also expressed interest in serving Western Sydney Airport but has yet to make a formal commitment.

The Qantas Group’s Western Sydney Airport services are being launched with assistance from the Australian Government. Most new route launches in Australia now involve some form of government support.

Photo: Western Sydney Airport.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com