‘What it was like boarding the first international flight from Western Sydney airport’
Sydney’s new airport is so new it’s not even listed on Uber. Instead, I had to type the actual address, 40 Nancy Drive in Luddenham in the city’s west to make it appear.
Thankfully, my driver turns up, and it’s his second trip there this morning he said.
Sarah was on the first international flight from the new Western Sydney Airport. Nine
I’m boarding the first international flight to take off from WSI, flying Air New Zealand to Auckland on flight NZ166 at 8.55am.
The airline became the first international flight to touch down earlier in the day when NZ165 landed shortly after 7.30am.
How long did it take to get to the new airport?
I live nearer to what shall soon be known as the ‘old airport’ but I’m headed to the new one in Western Sydney, WSI, for this historic opening. It might be out of the way for me, but for millions it’s on their doorstep.
I left the city at 6am, and it took 51 minutes – though I reckon you could double that in traffic.
The Uber was quite steep, $126.96. While there is a train and shuttle bus, or a bus from the city, at this time in the morning it was the only option I contemplated.
The metro link won’t open until December 2027. Typical Sydney.
Sarah Swain at Western Sydney International Airport. Sarah Swain
What it’s like inside WSI
When I walked into the cavernous new airport, I was impressed.
The ceilings seemed to go up to the sky, and you could smell the new paint.
I noted a coffee shop and typically overpriced Relay selling magazines and snacks (water is $6.79, Allens lollies $9.29) in the joint departure-arrivals hall.
There were no check-in desks, just modern screens to contend with, and bag drops. They’re shared between all the airlines which suddenly makes the old system seem outdated.
Of course, with only a handful of flights online for the opening it was not busy.
Western Sydney International Airport’s first international flight takes off on Monday to New Zealand. Sarah Swain
Going through security
I headed upstairs to departures and counted a dozen electronic machines for passport control. There was no line at security.
Typically, you’re spat out into a duty free shop selling the usual booze and perfume.
And while Mountain Culture is opening a bar and restaurant in departures, it’s not ready yet.
The first Air New Zealand plane ready to welcome passengers at WSI. Sarah Swain
There was just a snack and coffee bar with $14.99 cheese toasties and $17.99 salads.
As the gate filled up, I could see there would be seats for a whole plane of passengers.
That was one of the things noted by locals who tested out the airport before it opened.
However, the one I nabbed was comfier than your usual hard airport chair.
Pleny of seating at the gates. WSI
The bathrooms at the new Western Sydney Airport. Nine
Getting ready for boarding
The excitement was clear. Staff were handing out souvenir cookies and water bottles as well as colourful lamingtons.
The cleaner proudly showed me the ‘pet relief area’ and also told me she had just cleaned the loos too (there are plenty of stalls women will be pleased to find).
Back to the gate, and it’s not often you get to be part of history, so it was no wonder seats on the plane were selling for over $1000 when I checked.
Staff are handing out souvenir cookies and water bottles as well as colourful lamingtons at Western Sydney Airport. Sarah Swain
One man even came from the USA to be on the first flight. And as our aircraft arrived from Auckland, the plane spotters film and snap photos.
Boarding now
Once it’s time to board passengers are invited to “make history.”
Head cushions on board are adorned with the message “first flight feels”. Passengers are a mix of officials, media and keen travellers.
The energy is electric.
The cabin crew manager took photo of everyone with their hands up and cheers and applause immediately broke out.
On board the first international flight to depart WSI. Sarah Swain
“We feel privileged to be alongside you,” Air New Zealand Captain Andrew McGuigan said before take off.
“It’s not every day you’re lucky enough to crew the first international flight from a new airport.”
We push back about 10 minutes late. A flight time of 2 hours and 40 mins thanks to a helpful tailwind.
As we took off, there was a smattering of applause, and we zoomed past a row of plane spotters eagerly watching.
And we’re off from WSI. Sarah Swain
WSI is officially open to the world.
The first domestic flight left Sunday, a Jetstar plane bound for the Gold Coast.
It was the ‘most tracked’ on FlightRadar24 as aviation nerds marked the historic journey.
