logo
The new Western Sydney Airport will need regulations eased to make it a global gateway – here's an update

The new Western Sydney Airport will need regulations eased to make it a global gateway – here's an update

Time Out05-05-2025

Sydney's transport systems are getting upgraded, and we're not just talking about the ones on and under ground. Western Sydney International (WSI) airport is set to open in late 2026, promising a state-of-the-art $5.3 billion aviation hub with 24/7 operations – yes, no curfews like the ones Kingsford-Smith has in place. As construction progresses in Badgerys Creek and the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project remains on track to open by 2027, a key question remains: can WSI attract enough international airlines to make it a global gateway?
Intrigued? We got a sneak peek at the huge new airport.
Despite its round-the-clock operations, WSI faces a significant regulatory hurdle – because it shares the same 'primary gateway' classification as Sydney's existing Kingsford-Smith airport, international airlines that have already hit their cap on Sydney flights aren't permitted to land at WSI. In contrast, secondary airports like Adelaide and Darwin aren't subject to these limits – a fact that's frustrating international carriers like Qatar Airways that have called for reform.
Internationally, only Singapore Airlines has committed to services from WSI and this won't be enough to establish it as a global player. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Turkish Airlines are all rumoured to be considering WSI since its catchment area aligns well with their core markets – with Western Sydney's growing multicultural population a key draw for a lot of international carriers. Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways could also benefit from the airport's round-the-clock operations, enabling smoother onward connections to Europe and the UK.
On the domestic front, Qantas has confirmed it will start off with its QantasLink Embraer E190 regional jets, while its budget carrier Jetstar will operate 10 single-aisle aircraft from its Airbus A320 fleet. While specific routes haven't been announced yet, services to cities like Melbourne and Brisbane are likely. Translation? Western Sydney residents could save up to two hours on a same-day return trip, making it possible to be home in time for dinner with the family.
Encouragingly, the federal government has promised a review of WSI's regulatory status a year after it opens, giving hope for more flexible rules in the future. However, many in the aviation industry believe that's too little too late. Without effective policy changes and better public transport connectivity, WSI risks falling short of its international ambitions. As anticipation builds, the pressure is on for WSI not just to open on time, but to convince international airlines that it's worth the journey.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Two leading airlines ban power banks and battery packs on flights
Two leading airlines ban power banks and battery packs on flights

Daily Record

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Two leading airlines ban power banks and battery packs on flights

Passengers are now forbidden from charging devices with portable power banks and battery packs while travelling on these two major airlines. Two leading airlines have announced new safety measures which bans passengers from using power banks and battery packs during flights. Power banks come under lithium batteries which pose a fire risk as they can generate extreme heat. Despite this they are generally allowed in your carry-on luggage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are allowed in carry-on bags, but spare batteries are strictly prohibited in checked luggage to stay in line with safety procedures. Airline passengers are forbidden from carrying more than two spare batteries exceeding two grams of lithium content for lithium metal, or a watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh, on board and these must strictly be kept in carry-on luggage only. ‌ However, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have both introduced new policies that now prohibit passengers from being able to use power banks or battery packs throughout the duration of flights. Singapore Airlines introduced the ban from April 1, meaning passengers can no longer charge their personal electronic devices with a portable power bank or charge power banks using onboard USB ports during flights. ‌ The airline states that passengers must keep power banks in carry-on luggage and are not allowed in checked bags, the Express reports. In an update for passengers, Singapore Airlines added: 'The SIA Group complies with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries. This means power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage. 'Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline seek customers' understanding that safety will always be our top priority.' Thai Airways has also banned passengers from both using or charging power banks (spare batteries) during entire flights. ‌ Their new rule came into effect on March 15 and was implemented to 'ensure the highest level of safety for all passengers and crew members'. Passengers are not permitted to carry power banks in checked baggage, but they can do so in their carry-on luggage providing it meets certain requirements. ‌ The airline states: 'Strict security measures had been imposed in compliance with guidelines set by IATA regarding dangerous items, including spare batteries. Details are as follows: 'Spare batteries in carry-on baggage. THAI allows spare batteries in carry-on baggage, with battery capacities of less than 20,000 milliamp-hours (mAh) or 100 Wh. Spare batteries with capacities of 20,000-32,000 mAh or 100-160 Wh, passengers can take up to two packs in a carry-on baggage. A spare battery of more than 32,000 mAh or 160 Wh is prohibited in carry-on baggage. 'A spare battery is prohibited to be loaded in baggage checked-in in all case.'

UKMTO warns of possible impact on mariners from increase in Middle East tension
UKMTO warns of possible impact on mariners from increase in Middle East tension

Reuters

time11 hours ago

  • Reuters

UKMTO warns of possible impact on mariners from increase in Middle East tension

DUBAI, June 11 (Reuters) - The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said in an advisory note on Wednesday that it was aware of increased tensions in the Middle East which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners. The UKMTO advised vessels to use caution when passing through the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz. The UKMTO, which gathers reports on threats to shipping, did not specify the nature of the increase in tensions that prompted its alert. The United States and Iran are expected to hold a round of talks this week on Iran's nuclear programme. Washington has threatened to take military action if the talks fail, and Iran said on Wednesday it could strike US bases in the region if conflict arises.

Turbulence ahead for budget travel? Jetstar Asia grounded by rising costs
Turbulence ahead for budget travel? Jetstar Asia grounded by rising costs

Time Out

time13 hours ago

  • Time Out

Turbulence ahead for budget travel? Jetstar Asia grounded by rising costs

Singapore has long been a top destination for travellers from Bangkok, thanks to its proximity and diverse attractions. Just two hours away by air, the city-state offers everything from world-class shopping and dining to cultural landmarks. Likewise, many Singaporeans regularly visit Thailand, making the connection between the two nations strong. So, it may come as a surprise that low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia will cease operations from July 31. The airline cited rising supplier costs, increased airport fees, soaring aviation expenses, and heightened regional competition as reasons for the decision. The closure impacts 16 intra-Asia routes, including flights between Singapore and Bangkok. However, Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan services within Asia remain unaffected. Since launching in December 2004, Jetstar Asia has been a popular choice for affordable travel between the two cities, operating up to 28 weekly round trips at its peak. Its Airbus A320 fleet catered to strong demand from both leisure and business travellers. While airlines like Scoot, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways will continue to serve this busy route, the loss of 28 weekly flights may reduce seat availability in the short term. This could lead to slightly higher fares on budget routes until other carriers step in to fill the gap.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store