The First Foreign Airline at Sydney’s New Airport Lands Before Breakfast

Air New Zealand has become the first international airline to serve Western Sydney International Airport, starting Auckland service on 26 October. Flights operate three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, using Airbus A320 and A321 jets in an all-economy configuration. The Australian government marked the start of the service with a media release.

The schedule suits early risers. The flight leaves Auckland at 6:10 a.m. and arrives at 7:55 a.m., then departs Western Sydney at 9:05 a.m. and reaches Auckland at 2:20 p.m. The mid-afternoon arrival supports connections into Air New Zealand’s wider network, including domestic services and onward international flights.

The new airport is designed to work around the clock, without the curfew limits that apply at Sydney Kingsford Smith, which gives airlines more flexibility in scheduling. FlyMag reports that Singapore Airlines plans daily Singapore Changi flights to Western Sydney from 23 November using Airbus A350-900s, which it describes as the airport’s first long-haul international service.

For travelers, the airport is a different trip from the existing one. It sits well west of the city center, so the right choice depends on where you are staying and how you will get there. Anyone booking should check ground transport options and arrival times before assuming the new airport is the more convenient one.

Sources: FlyMag, Australian Government