More than 22 million cubic meters of earth have been moved from the Badgerys Creek site and more than half the concreting is now complete for a terminal that will welcome 10 million passengers a year.
More than 2,300 workers are on-site to build the airport.
“That will grow up to 4000, so this is a really significant build,” NSW Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said.
“I can’t remember the last time we built an airport from scratch.”
Beneath the entrance to the airport is an enormous basement built to fit the country’s most advanced and automated baggage sorting system.
A computer sends traveler’s bags from check-in directly to the flight beneath all their feet.
Most of our airports were built many years ago, so they have a belt-based system. This a tote-based system, just like you see at Amazon down the road at Kemps Creek,” CEO of Western Sydney Airport Simon Hickey said.
“This is a more modern system that you see in the best airport in the world.”
Every detail of the airport’s design has been poured over by a panel of everyday Australians to make sure it’s fit for purpose.
John and Gillian Jocys from nearly Middleton Grange were among those invited to see the plans and share their thoughts on what the airport should offer.
“To see it in life-size format, how awesome, absolutely awesome,” the pair said.
“This will be a place for people to come to, whether they’re traveling or not, it’ll be a destination in its own right,” Hickey said.
Despite the pandemic and this year’s heavy rain impacting construction, the airport is expected to open as scheduled with the first flights taking off in late 2026.
Motorbike or car – who gives way?