Jetstar launches first commercial service from Western Sydney International Airport
The inaugural Jetstar flight departed at 11:22 am on Oct 25, 2026, with the airline planning up to 24 weekly return services.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Jetstar operated the first commercial passenger flight from Western Sydney International Airport on 25 October 2026, departing at 11:22 am for the Gold Coast, according to two reports from the Sydney Morning Herald.
What happened
The aircraft, identified as flight JQ362, left the new terminal with a mix of paying passengers, Jetstar executives and journalists. The departure was timed for 11 am, with the aircraft taking off a few minutes later. The flight used an Airbus A320, which can seat up to 188 people. Jetstar announced that it intends to run up to 24 return services a week from the airport, including daily Gold Coast trips, up to 14 weekly flights to Melbourne and three weekly services to Brisbane.
What the reports add
One report noted that the flight was the first commercial service from the airport, which opened after half a century without a major new Australian airport. The other report highlighted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s role in the opening ceremony, where he unveiled a commemorative plaque and praised the $6 billion project for shifting air travel closer to western Sydney residents. The second report also quoted Mark Ignativ, a Gold Coast resident, as saying the flight felt “like a solar eclipse” and that the new airport would be a “game changer” for the region.
What was said
Jetstar CEO Steph Tully told the outlet that the day was “historic for aviation in Australia” and emphasized the airline’s aim to bring “more choice and low fares to Western Sydney”. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Everyone who has been part of this story along the way can feel proud today. It has been a long and remarkable journey for all of us.” Mark Ignativ described the experience as “very exciting” and noted the transformation of the area from farms to a major transport hub.
How it came about
The launch follows a series of preparatory steps reported by Felo News, including the opening of the Rayleigh Lounge for Singapore Airlines passengers on 17 October 2026 and the rollout of Qantas Freight’s new cargo hub at the same airport. Western Sydney International Airport’s chief executive Simon Hickey has overseen the project since early 2020, and the airport’s opening marks the first major new Australian airport in 50 years.
Key facts
- Jetstar flight JQ362 departed Western Sydney International Airport at 11:22 am on 25 Oct 2026 bound for the Gold Coast. (smh.com.au)
- Jetstar plans up to 24 weekly return services from the new airport, including daily Gold Coast flights. (smh.com.au)
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened the airport and unveiled a commemorative plaque. (smh.com.au)
- Jetstar CEO Steph Tully called the day historic for Australian aviation. (smh.com.au)
Timeline
- 2026-10-17 — Western Sydney Airport unveiled 80‑seat premium lounge for Singapore Airlines.
- 2026-10-18 — Qantas Freight began operations at Western Sydney cargo hub.
- 2026-10-25 — First commercial passenger flight from Western Sydney International Airport.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au
- [2] smh.com.au
