2 days ago
Air NZ to start flights to new Western Sydney airport by mid-2027
Western Sydney International Airport.
Photo:
Western Sydney Airport
Air New Zealand has penned an agreement to start flights to the new
Western Sydney International Airport
from mid-2027.
It will become the first trans-Tasman airline to sign up for flights to the new airport, due to open in early 2026.
The initial route will connect Auckland and Western Sydney, but is subject to aircraft availability.
The airline said the new route would complement Air New Zealand's existing services to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said the airport "represents an exciting step forward" for Australia's aviation sector.
"We're delighted to be the first trans-Tasman carrier to signal our intent to operate there as we continue to grow," he said.
As opposed to Kingsford Smith Airport, Western Sydney International Airport would operate 24-hours a day without curfews.
WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said "this new strategic partnership, supported by the Western Sydney International Take-off Fund, will connect one of Australia's most diverse and fastest growing regions - Western Sydney - with New Zealand's largest city and main holiday gateway."
The Take-Off Fund is a New South Wales state government initiative which offers incentives such as cost-offsetting, marketing and operational support to encourage airlines to create new routes to the airport.
The state's Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper, said the airport was "getting ready for take-off".
"This is the first new route secured through the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, and a route that I am sure will no doubt be very popular," Kamper said.
Air New Zealand recently launched a Christchurch-Adelaide route as part of its Tasman growth strategy.
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