Major construction works of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) terminal have been completed, and the airport is on track to open for domestic, international, and air cargo services in late 2026.
Western Sydney International is being built to accommodate 10 million passengers per year from day one. The WSI terminal has been brought to life over many years by various design and construction partners such as Cox Architecture and Zaha Hadid Architects for initial design concepts; Multiplex and Woods Bagot for final design and construction; and Bechtel for overall project delivery alongside WSI.
Terminal: The Terminal and Specialty Services (TSS) contract was awarded to Multiplex in June 2021. The contract involves the design and construction works within the terminal precinct including the terminal building, plaza, connections to the Metro rail station, bus station, taxi ranks, carparks, roads, footpaths and external ancillary buildings and services.
Airside: The Airside Civil and Pavement Works package (ACP) was awarded to the CPB Contractors–Acciona joint venture in September 2021. The contract involves the design and construction of the airside services and utilities, including a 3.7-km runway, runway and taxiway pavements, aircraft pavement markings, airside roads, surface water drainage, aeronautical ground lighting systems, airside security fence, and landscaping.
Landside: The Landside Civil and Building Works package (LCB) was awarded to Aerowest, a joint venture between BMD Constructions (BMD Group) and Seymour Whyte, in December 2021. The contract involves the design and construction of the airport’s landside facilities including earthworks and drainage, a road network including connections to the terminal precinct, ground transport facilities, active transport connections, ancillary facilities for aviation support functions, public utility networks, integrated communication systems, landscaping, wayfinding, and signage.
Gallery: Western Sydney International Airport
The fit-out of the terminal’s retail precinct and airline lounges will take place closer to the airport’s opening as commercial tenders and final contracts continue to progress over the months ahead.
Simon Hickey, CEO, Western Sydney International Airport, said: “We are on the precipice of launching a seamless and stress-free airport experience unlike any other in Australia. WSI will give our global city a 24-hour international gateway that will continue to create significant economic opportunities for all of Greater Sydney.”
Darren Mort, President, Bechtel Infrastructure, said: “We’re pleased to celebrate alongside WSI and Multiplex the completion of Australia’s most advanced airport terminal. As delivery partner for Western Sydney International Airport, we know that above all, a project of this scale and complexity requires partnership. This milestone highlights the strength of that partnership: Multiplex’s construction expertise, WSI’s focus on project delivery, operations and passenger experience, and Bechtel’s expertise in the overall construction integration, schedule, and delivery. Together, we’ve delivered a world-class terminal that will open a new chapter in Australian aviation.”
The WSI terminal design is emblematic of the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area as well as the Cumberland Plain and the region’s incredible First Nations culture and history.
Inspired by the vast horizons of the Cumberland Plain, the terminal’s architecture reflects the natural beauty of the region. Its horizontal form and soft edges mirror the surrounding landscape, while its sculptural ceiling—one of the building’s defining features—filters light to echo the way sunlight moves through eucalyptus bark.
David Holm, Principal and Design Lead, Cox Architecture, said: “From the outset, our vision was to create an airport that belongs to this place; not just physically, but in spirit and identity. The ‘Great Australian Light’ is one of the defining qualities of the Australian experience, and it has been central to our design thinking. The way light filters through the terminal shapes how people move, orient and feel – creating a sense of calm, clarity and connection. For many, this space marks their very first encounter with Australia, and we wanted that experience to feel unmistakably grounded in place.”
Cristiano Ceccato, Director and Design Lead, Zaha Hadid Architects, said: “This is a rare opportunity to define the next generation of airport design on a global stage. Together with Cox, we created a design that meets the highest standards of architectural innovation, passenger experience and operational efficiency. What makes this terminal extraordinary is its blend of human-scaled design and international ambition.”
The identity of Western Sydney, one of the most culturally diverse regions in Australia, is reflected throughout the terminal’s public spaces. The design was shaped through consultation with Dharug Custodians, in collaboration with First Nations consultant Murrawin, embedding local narratives into the architecture.
Neil Hill, Principal, Design and Delivery Lead, Woods Bagot, said: “The ambition was to create an airport that is not just a transit space but a destination in itself. The Terminal and Landside Forecourt establish a uniquely Western Sydney character – one that welcomes visitors while resonating with the many identities and cultures that define this region.”
With a 5 Star Green Star Rating for its design, the WSI terminal integrates regenerative design principles, utilising natural ventilation, energy efficiency and water recycling.
The terminal has a climate-responsive facade, and more than 6,000 solar panels affixed to its roof to provide energy efficiency and renewable electricity, reducing the airport’s carbon footprint. In addition, it will collect and recycle rainfall for use in airport operations such as bathrooms, irrigation, and cooling towers.
The terminal’s modular design allows for phased expansion, ensuring flexibility to accommodate future technology and passenger needs without compromising operational efficiency.
“The terminal offers a constantly evolving visual experience and sense of joy as passengers move through the space,” said Neil Hill. “Respecting the initial concept, we configured the landside, terminal and airside design to balance and optimize the commercial and operational functional requirements. With the Multiplex team, and working closely with WSI, we introduced innovative design solutions to elevate the customer experience, deliver sustainable outcomes and applied industry-leading technical acumen.”