Touchdown at Western Sydney Airport

There will also be the first multiagency emergency exercise held as part of the ongoing testing process ahead of its 2026 opening, a full-scale aerodrome emergency response to a simulated aircraft incident.

The exercise will be held over two days, kicked off by the landing of the NSW Rural Fire Service 737 aircraft, the most significant testing of the new airport to date.

The airport's preparedness, response and recovery capabilities will be tested, ensuring the airport meets the certification processes required ahead of opening.

Over 300 volunteer and emergency services personnel from NSW will participate, alongside federal agencies including Airservices, the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.

The delivery of Western Sydney Airport showcases the Albanese Government's commitment to shaping the local region and greater Sydney for decades to come.

The Government has invested $5.6 billion to date into the project, which upon opening will create thousands of additional jobs. This is in addition to the 12,224 supported to date.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"This is a historic moment for Western Sydney International Airport, as this jet touches down on the brand new runway."

"A lot of hard work has led up to this moment, from the earlier days of construction to now rigorous testing to become operationally ready."

"This project has taken decades of planning, created thousands of jobs and millions of hours of work. This is a clear indicator of the Albanese Government investing in Western Sydney and its future."

"Already attracting significant investment into region, the airport's future operations are also set to create thousands of jobs, on top of the 12,224 supported to date - over half of which were people from the local area."

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

"This is an important milestone for NSW, the landing of the RFS Marie Bashir aircraft at the new Western Sydney International Airport is the beginning of many years of showcasing south-western Sydney to the world."

"This is a proud day for our emergency services personnel and, in particular, the Rural Fire Service, who've been given the honour of landing the first jet here at the new airport."

"Importantly, our emergency services are testing their capabilities to demonstrate they are ready to respond and work with their airport colleagues to protect passengers using this airport when passenger flights begin."