Representatives from Multiplex and Woods Bagot recently presented a project milestone update for Western Sydney International Airport Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey and executive team.

Western Sydney International (WSI) is on-track to open for domestic and international passenger services and cargo services in late 2026.

Project leaders Alice Cook and Ashlea Jenkins say it is thanks to the mammoth effort of the project team and construction partners that progress has advanced with the speed and expertise it has.

“You can now see the building start to take form in its local context,” Jenkins. “You can really grasp the project’s complexities and its scale.” 

“It’s satisfying to see the project where it is today as we move past concrete and steel works and onto the interior details with finishes approvals now complete,” says Cook.

Blockwork on three of the seven fixed link bridges (FLBs) is now underway and progress on the baggage-handling system (BHS) is steadily progressing in the basement level. 98 percent of the terminal concrete structure has now been completed with steelworks in place.

The western pier façade glazing is now being installed while building works have commenced on the eastern pier structure.

An undulating feature ceiling and skylight framing is also being installed, inspired by the topography of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. The airport design draws its cues from the natural landscape, featuring the prominent colours and textures of the Western Sydney region.

Construction milestones have coincided with a tunnel boring machine (TBM) breaking through at the future Western Sydney Airport Terminal station, forming part of the Sydney Metro West. The line will be operational when WSI opens for passenger services, with an expected travel time of 15 minutes from St Mary’s metro station to Airport Terminal Station and a further five minutes to Aerotropolis Station.

Construction of WSI is slated for completion next year, after which the project will enter the commissioning and testing phase before it opens in late 2026.

Once operational, the airport will be fundamental in serving Sydney’s growing population, with its metropolitan area forecast to reach nine million residents by 2040.

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Zaha Hadid Architects and Cox Architecture won an international competition for the concept design of the Western Sydney International Airport in 2019, which served as the reference design in the tender for a contractor. The project has since been developed and delivered by Woods Bagot, encapsulating qualities of the Western Sydney region for a compelling journey experience through the landside, terminal and airside transitions.

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Isla Sutherland
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