WESTERN Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) commenced a two-day multi-agency emergency exercise this week, as part of the airport’s ongoing program to prepare for opening in the second half of 2026.

The exercise began on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday, allowing WSI to test a full-scale aerodrome emergency response to a simulated aircraft incident.

The two-day program commenced just after 8am on Tuesday when a NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) 737 aircraft, operated by Coulson Aviation, landed on the WSI runway, which marked the beginning of the simulated exercise. This was the first time a 737 jet has landed at the new airport.

The purpose of the exercise was to rigorously test the airport’s preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities, in accordance with the WSI Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) and ensure the airport meets CASA Certification processes required for the airport’s opening.

WSI’s operational staff alongside approximately 300 volunteers and emergency services partners from the NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS and NSW Ambulance, as well as federal agencies including Airservices Australia, the Australian Federal Police, and Australian Border Force all took part in the simulation, which involved approximately 50 emergency service vehicles.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey said this week’s exercise is another critical component of the airport’s ongoing trial program as the exciting countdown to opening in the second half of 2026 continues.

“This will be the most significant simulation we’ve carried out to date and it’s a positive opportunity for our airport staff and all first responders to test our collective resources, protocols and general preparedness in a safe, controlled environment,” he said.

“It also marks a significant milestone for Sydney’s new 24-hour airport, with our first 737 jet aircraft landing at WSI’s technologically enabled airfield – a big moment that included welcoming many community onlookers and media on site to capture the historic arrival.

“I thank the state and federal agencies for their close collaboration and the hundreds of community partners and local volunteers supporting the exercise, all of whom will help ensure WSI continues to put safety at the centre of everything we do as we prepare to welcome our first passengers next year.”

Peter Curran, Deputy CEO of Airservices Australia said, “Airservices Australia is making a significant investment in people, infrastructure and technology to ensure we’ll be ready to provide primary emergency response capabilities to Western Sydney International Airport for the safety of aircrew and passengers.

“Our Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service will respond to an aircraft incident anywhere on the aerodrome within three minutes of the initial call.”

AFP Detective Superintendent Clinton Smith said, “Emergency exercises are invaluable opportunities for the AFP to prepare for policing operations once the airport opens in 2026. Today’s exercise enables our members to familiarise themselves with the operational environment, and to connect and form working relationships with front-line partners involved in the response to these emergency incidents.

“The AFP looks forward to overseeing the security and ensuring the safety of the travelling public at Western Sydney International Airport.”