Qantas and Jetstar will begin flying from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) when Australia’s newest major airport opens later this year, with Jetstar set to operate the first commercial passenger flight on October 25, 2026.
The announcement follows the Qantas Group and Western Sydney International Airport finalizing a five-year agreement covering domestic passenger flights and freight services.
Flight schedule breakdown
Jetstar flight JQ362 will make history as the first commercial passenger departure from the airport, taking off at 11:00 local time on October 25, 2026 bound for Gold Coast Airport (OOL).
The low-cost carrier will operate up to 14 weekly flights to Melbourne Airport (MEL), four weekly flights to Gold Coast, and three weekly flights to Brisbane Airport (BNE). All services will use Airbus A320 aircraft.
Qantas passenger flights will follow on March 28, 2027, with four weekly flights each to Melbourne and Brisbane on QantasLink Embraer E190 aircraft.
Qantas Freight will arrive even earlier, with the first freighter service scheduled to depart from the airport’s 24-hour cargo precinct on the evening of July 27, 2026.
A new option for Western Sydney
The flights add to the Qantas Group’s existing services from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), giving travelers in Western Sydney a closer alternative for domestic trips.
Vanessa Hudson, Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer, said the new airport will make flying more accessible for millions of people in the region.
“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 to catch a flight,” Hudson said.
She added that Qantas Freight expects to move more than 850 tonnes of cargo through its new terminal each week.
Australia’s newest gateway
Western Sydney International Airport, also known as Nancy-Bird Walton Airport (WSI), is Australia’s first major greenfield airport in more than 50 years. The terminal is currently undergoing final fit-out works ahead of the October opening.
Simon Hickey, Chief Executive Officer of Western Sydney International Airport, said the launch is a vote of confidence in the region.
“These Qantas and Jetstar services will give Western Sydney’s frequent business and leisure travellers more choice and flexibility to fly from Sydney’s new 24-hour gateway to some of our nation’s most popular east coast hubs,” Hickey said.
Fares and schedules
Launch fares are available starting at AU$59 (US$38) one way on Jetstar to the Gold Coast, and AU$99 (US$64) in economy or AU$299 (US$194) in business on Qantas to Melbourne and Brisbane. All Qantas fares include meals and baggage.
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can redeem reward seats starting at 5,700 points plus fees on Jetstar, and 9,200 points plus fees on Qantas.