Western Sydney International Airport opened in June 2025, redefining airport architecture in Australia. WSI is not only Australia’s first major airport in over 50 years, but also a next-generation airport design that combines innovation, sustainability, and cultural expression with operational excellence. Located in Badgerys Creek, WSI will be at the center of Australia’s future aviation and a driver for economic development throughout Greater Sydney.
A global multidisciplinary team of world-leading professionals, led by Zaha Hadid Architects and COX Architecture and aided by Woodson Bagot, was commissioned to design and build the project for Multiplex. Western Sydney International Airport Chief Executive Simon Hickey said that Western Australia International Airport has the potential to deliver a 24-hour international gateway to Sydney, and the long-term jobs, investment, and international connections will follow.
Rethinking Airport Design for the 21st Century
Western Sydney International’s clean-slate proposal presented a rare chance to redesign the international airport experience, independent of the other international airports held back by legacy arrangements and step additions. Cristiano Ceccato, Director and Design Lead, Zaha Hadid Architects, stated that “the design of the airport will be a singular opportunity to re-envision the future of international airport design in a synergy of world-class architecture and authentic Australian spirit.”
The overall result is an airport with human-centered design, easy navigation, natural light, unobstructed lines of sight, and spatial circulation maximized for effectiveness that will enable passengers to alleviate stress and enhance operating performance, a rapidly growing value proposition in international aviation design.
Western Sydney’s Landscape and Light
The airport layout is heavily influenced by the Cumberland Plain of Western Sydney, with which it has a close association. The horizontal sweeping plan is wide and low and recalls the openness of Australia and rolling hills and plains, which are gentle. The terminal is marked by its sculptural ceiling diffusing natural light through openings that mimic the passage of sunlight through the bark of eucalyptus trees, which recalls the Great Australian Light.
The architecture not only facilitates passenger wayfinding but also creates a calm, natural sense of place for traveling passengers. COX Architecture’s Design Director and Principal, David Holm, referred to the result as an airport that reflected the physical and cultural aspects of the region. The building directs the traveler through the terminal with light and space, attaining clarity, connectivity, and serenity.
A Terminal That Reflects Western Sydney’s Cultural Diversity
Western Sydney’s indigenous heritage and cultural diversity are the focus of the airport’s design, being Australia’s most culturally diverse precinct. As part of the design process, the architecture team worked closely with Dharug Custodians and First Nations consultant Murrawin to incorporate indigenous stories, narratives, language, and knowledge systems in the public spaces of the airport. Holm highlighted the significance of commemorating the cultural diversity of Western Sydney and the richness of Dharug Country heritage in the terminal architecture.
Similarly, the use of natural material, timber, warm tones between the terminal interior, open-air courtyards, and extensive views welcomes everyone, be they foreign visitors or frequent visitors. “The ambition was to create an airport that is not just a transit space but a destination in itself,” said Neil Hill, Principal, Design and Delivery Lead, Woods Bagot. “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.” Western Sydney International architecture would be a reflection of the transforming multicultural identity of the region, not just an Australian entry point.
Pioneering Sustainability
The terminal employs regenerative design principles to ensure long-term resilience in adapting to evolving global sustainability needs. Some of the key sustainable design features include natural ventilation design with lower-energy air cooling and heating, and energy-efficient mechanical and lighting systems with minimal operational carbon emissions. Resource-saving design strategies, like on-site water reuse and stormwater management systems, have been adopted.
A modular, flexible design that can be phased in stages without compromising passenger comfort or efficiency. As argued by Hill, the modularity of the terminal allows it to accommodate future technologies like autonomous passenger processing, biometric screening, and emerging electric aircraft. WSI uses adaptable design standards to maintain its infrastructure current in the background of global growth in passenger numbers and aviation technology.
A New Global Model for Aviation Architecture
Western Sydney International Airport, under development, is a new standard for international aviation infrastructure and makes Australian airports pioneers in innovation, sustainable development, and cultural blending. Ceccato said that WSI is not only a building, but also one that will disrupt the running of airports by combining architecture, culture, technology, and sustainability.
WSI offers international visitors to Sydney a real taste of Australia’s natural environment, indigenous culture, and multiculturalism through world-leading design and best-in-class airport operations. WSI’s first day of operations as the world’s first sixth-gen airport, with its first passengers, not only celebrates the handing over of Australia’s biggest infrastructure project but also establishes new international standards for airport design.
Western Sydney International Airport Project Details
Project Name: Western Sydney International Airport
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects, COX Architects
Location: Badgerys Creek, Australia
Photography / Renders: © Brett Boardman © Zaha Hadid Architects
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