Construction of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is now complete, establishing it as Sydney's second airport for both international and domestic flights.
Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) CEO Simon Hickey was joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King on site today to celebrate the milestone.
Zaha Hadid Architects and Cox Architecture won a 2019 design competition for the project, which attracted more than 40 national and international competitors. 360 Degrees Landscape Architects was engaged for the landscape design of the project. A competitive tender process led to construction company Multiplex being awarded the contract to deliver the project from initial concept through to final design and construction, with Woods Bagot appointed as the lead design and delivery architect on Multiplex's design and construction team.
The final design was shaped by consultation with Dharug Custodians, in collaboration with First Nations consultant Murrawin, who provided guidance on embedding local narratives into the architecture.
The new airport terminal features domestic and international departure gates under one roof, a landscaped forecourt and a 3.7 kilometre runway. According to the WSI Airport website, the airport is predicted to service 10 million passengers a year after opening.
A joint communique from Cox Architecture, Zaha Hadid Architects and Woods Bagot stated that the terminal design prioritises sustainability and regenerative design principles through natural ventilation, water recycling and energy-efficient systems. The terminal features more than 6,000 rooftop solar panels to generate renewable energy and reduce environmental impact. Rainwater will be collected and recycled for airport operations such as bathroom facilities, irrigation and cooling towers. The modular design of the terminal also allows for flexible future expansion.
The statement noted that the design draws inspiration from Western Sydney's Cumberland Plain, reflected in the terminal's horizontal form and the undulating interior ceiling. Open sightlines, warm materiality and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces are key features of the design.
Cristiano Ceccato, a director at Zaha Hadid Architects, stated: "what makes this terminal extraordinary is its blend of human-scaled design and international ambition. It is grounded in its setting - and yet globally competitive," said Ceccato.
Principal and design and delivery lead at Woods Bagot Neil Hill emphasised that the design harnesses light as a way to create "a constantly evolving visual experience."
"The interplay of natural light through strategic openings, soft undulating curves, thoughtful colour selection and varied materials creates a different perspective from every vantage point."
While major construction of the terminal is complete, the fit-out of the terminal's retail precinct and airline lounges is ongoing as tenancy agreements continue to be finalised. The airport is on track for domestic, international and air cargo services to commence operation in late 2026.
