WSI begins 24-hour cargo operations

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has officially commenced commercial freight operations, with its first cargo flights departing from the airport's newly developed 24-hour Cargo Precinct.

The launch marks a significant milestone for Australia's air cargo sector, strengthening national supply chains, supporting domestic producers and manufacturers, and expanding freight capacity to serve the rapidly growing Western Sydney region.

WSI Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said the airport's state-of-the-art cargo hub will enhance global connectivity for businesses across Greater Sydney while creating new opportunities for trade, employment and supply chain growth in Western Sydney.

“Air freight underpins many of NSW’s highest-value industries including fresh meat and seafood products, pharmaceuticals, agricultural exports, electronics, advanced manufacturing and more,” he said.

In addition, WSI said the airport's cargo operations will support industries that depend on fast international connectivity through air freight. The 24-hour Cargo Precinct has an initial capacity to handle around 250,000 tonnes of freight annually, significantly increasing Sydney's overall air cargo capacity.

The airport highlighted that the new facility will enable faster movement of time-sensitive goods, allowing products such as fresh seafood from regional Australia to reach overseas markets within a day, while ensuring critical medicines reach Pacific communities and e-commerce deliveries reach consumers across Sydney more efficiently.

Beyond trade and logistics benefits, WSI's Cargo Precinct is expected to generate thousands of new employment opportunities across Western Sydney's logistics and supply chain sectors, bringing jobs closer to local communities.

WSI’s Cargo Precinct is strategically positioned with dedicated access through the upgraded Northern Road, providing close connectivity to major freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and Wetherill Park, as well as industrial developments across the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. The precinct’s connectivity is further strengthened by the recently completed M12 and M7 motorway integration, enabling efficient links to Sydney’s wider transport network.

The first stage of the Cargo Precinct spans approximately 733,000 square metres and is designed to accommodate up to eight 747/777 freighters or 16 737/A320 domestic freighters simultaneously, supporting significant growth in air freight capacity.

Leading aviation and logistics companies, including Qantas Freight, Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo, dnata Catering & Retail, and Texel Air, have partnered with WSI’s Cargo Precinct. The facility is expected to become a major air freight hub for the region, with the long-term capacity to handle up to 1.8 million tonnes of air cargo annually.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said WSI’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct would unlock major economic opportunities, generate billions of dollars in export revenue and strengthen Australia’s position in global trade.

WSI is Australia's first major international greenfield airport to be developed in more than 50 years and has become a catalyst for significant infrastructure investment across Western Sydney, including the development of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The Aerotropolis is emerging as a major hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology and industrial investment, driven by WSI's global connectivity and its ability to operate 24 hours a day. The region is expected to support around 200,000 new jobs and attract a $31 billion investment pipeline, strengthening Western Sydney's role as a key economic and trade centre.