OPENING-day preparations are well underway at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), with the ramp-up of its Operational Readiness Program, which will see ongoing trials carried out across the terminal and broader airport precinct over the months ahead.

WSI Chief Operating Officer Matt Duffy said the recent operational readiness kick-off would really start to bring the airport to life, and see staff test the precinct’s assets more rigorously, alongside critical partners like CASA and other federal agencies.

“Decades of planning, years of construction and millions of work hours have got us to this exciting moment, where we’re essentially switching on all of the various systems and services at WSI and putting these brand-new assets through their paces,” he said.

“This next phase will see our WSI team trial the dozens of technology systems and assets on which our 24-hour airport will rely each day and, importantly, test the resilience of those systems as well.

“The ongoing training of staff is also a key part of the program – it allows them to build their skills and experience in a safe, controlled environment, so they’re equipped to respond effectively to various simulated scenarios.”

Mr Duffy said the recent light plane test flights were also an excellent demonstration of the airport’s close collaboration with critical agencies that will support WSI’s operations when it begins welcoming passengers in the second half of 2026.

“The CASA safety checks are an important part of the airport’s ongoing aerodrome certification requirements, and comes after WSI welcomed its first plane on the runway in October 2024, which tested the airfield lighting systems,” he said.

WSI remains on track to open for domestic, international and cargo services in the second half of next year.