Jetstar has carried out the first trial landing of a passenger jet at Western Sydney International Airport, using an Airbus A320 on a non-revenue flight from Melbourne as the new Sydney airport prepares for passenger services. The operation formed part of final commissioning work before commercial flights begin in October, with the landing used to check taxiways, gates, aerobridges, refuelling, baggage handling and terminal systems.
The trial flight arrived without passengers aboard, while airport and airline teams tested the procedures that will support regular operations. Public-volunteer mock passenger exercises were also under way to stress check-in, security screening, boarding and wayfinding across the terminal. Western Sydney International, also known as Nancy-Bird Walton Airport, is scheduled to open to passengers on 25 October, when Jetstar is due to operate the first commercial service to the Gold Coast.
The landing came as the airport moved deeper into its readiness phase after years of construction and cargo preparations. Multiple trial activities have been taking place ahead of the opening date to confirm that systems, staff flows and operational processes are ready for live passenger traffic.