Qantas and Jetstar are set to launch passenger services from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), with Jetstar scheduled to operate the airport’s first commercial flight when the new gateway opens on October 25, 2026.
The announcement comes after the Qantas Group and Western Sydney International Airport finalized a five-year agreement covering domestic passenger and freight operations, allowing both carriers to expand schedules as demand grows across Greater Western Sydney.
Jetstar will make aviation history at WSI when flight JQ362 departs for the Gold Coast at 11 a.m. on opening day. The low-cost carrier plans to operate up to 14 weekly flights to Melbourne, four weekly services to the Gold Coast and three weekly flights to Brisbane using Airbus A320 aircraft.
Modest start for Qantas
Qantas will begin passenger operations on March 28, 2027, with QantasLink Embraer E190 aircraft serving Melbourne and Brisbane four times a week. The airline group will also establish a freight presence at the airport.
The additional flights will increase overall capacity across the Sydney basin and complement existing services from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
To mark the launch, Jetstar is offering one-way fares from $59 to the Gold Coast, while Qantas introductory fares start from $99 in economy and $299 in business class on services to Melbourne and Brisbane. Qantas fares include checked baggage and meals.
The announcement was made at the airport terminal by Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King, alongside senior executives from Qantas and Western Sydney International Airport.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson described the launch as a major milestone for Australian aviation.
“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,” Hudson said.
New airport to stimulate tourism
She added that the airport would stimulate tourism and provide millions of residents in Western Sydney with easier access to air travel.
Hudson said Jetstar’s experience in opening new markets would help deliver affordable fares to one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
Western Sydney International Airport Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said the opening marked the start of a new chapter for Sydney aviation.
“These Qantas and Jetstar services will give Western Sydney’s business and leisure travelers 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.
He said the launch of domestic ticket sales represented another strong vote of confidence in the airport and the growth potential of Western Sydney.
Initial route network
Jetstar from October 25, 2026
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Melbourne: up to 14 flights weekly
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Gold Coast: four weekly flights
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Brisbane: three weekly flights
Qantas from March 28, 2027
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Melbourne: four weekly flights
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Brisbane: four weekly flights
Other airlines which already announced to fly to WSI are Air New Zealand (3 weekly services from and to Auckland) starting October 26, and Singapore Airlines with a daily non-stop flight from and to Singapore, starting November 23, 2026.
