Air New Zealand will operate the first international scheduled passenger service into Western Sydney International Airport (WSI, also known as Nancy Bird Walton Airport) when it launches Auckland (AKL)–Western Sydney on October 26, 2026. The milestone is confirmed by the airline's official newsroom, Australia's Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King, and Simple Flying.
Flights operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. NZ165 departs Auckland at 6:10 AM and arrives at Western Sydney at 7:55 AM; NZ166 departs Western Sydney at 9:05 AM and arrives in Auckland at 2:20 PM. Simple Flying reports the flight time at approximately three hours and 45 minutes. Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft are assigned, offering Economy class only at launch.
Fares start from NZD $310 one way (seat only) from Auckland, according to the Air New Zealand newsroom. The return timing through Auckland is designed to feed connections into the airline's North American and South Pacific network.
Western Sydney International has no overnight curfew, unlike Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (6:00 AM–11:00 PM restriction). Australia's government secured Air New Zealand's service in June 2025 through the Western Sydney International Take Off Fund. Singapore Airlines will follow with daily Changi flights from November 2026, per the Minister's release.
Sources
- Air New Zealand newsroom
- Simple Flying — Air New Zealand Western Sydney 1st International Airline
- Australian Government Minister for Infrastructure media release
Sources & references (3)
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