By 2060, Australia’s population is projected to exceed 40 million, with nearly eight million people living in the Sydney basin. As climate pressures intensify and the population grows, Sydney needs resilient and flexible aviation infrastructure. To meet this challenge, the Australian Government sought expert advice to plan a new airport in Western Sydney – designed to serve future generations and withstand a changing environment.

Since 2011, we have been involved in the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) project. Our work began with site selection, when we collaborated with EY to produce a report for the Australian and NSW Governments on aviation capacity in the Sydney basin. Since then, we have led the masterplanning design, land use, sustainability and ground transport planning, concept of operations, operational readiness and transition strategy. We also led the terminal functional layout for the phase one reference design to serve ten million annual passengers with single-runway operations.

Opening in the second half of 2026, WSI will significantly expand Sydney’s air travel capacity, serving as more than just a transport hub. WSI will connect millions of Western Sydney residents to new travel and job opportunities. Designed for long-term growth and climate resilience, the airport will support a thriving, future-ready Sydney. Designed with an initial capacity to support ten million annual passengers, WSI is designed to grow with Western Sydney to cater for up to 82 million annual passengers beyond 2063.

An aerial view of a highway.
VIDEO: Learn more about the planning and design vision for WSI. Finished terminal footage: Ruth Gold

Resilient and connected airport design

In recent years, the Sydney basin has experienced severe flooding and bushfire events, with Government agencies predicting these will intensify in the future. To support the city’s long-term resilience, we worked alongside other siting study team members to review potential locations for a new airport. We recommended a site elevated above flood risk and projected sea level rise. Through our masterplanning, we embedded environmentally sustainable design, focusing on energy efficiency, climate-responsive strategies and water-sensitive urban design principles.

Connectivity and convenience are central to the airport’s design. A sustainable airport requires safe, comfortable, and integrated public transport options. Our design links the airport to Sydney’s motorway network through a combination of existing infrastructure and new investments, including the toll-free M12 Motorway.

Aerial view of Western Sydney International including gates and buildings

Aerial view of WSI © WSI

Aviation design shaped by demand

The airport is designed to be delivered in stages to match growing demand. Stage 1 includes a 3.7-kilometre runway and an integrated domestic and international terminal, designed to serve ten million passengers annually. By the 2070s, capacity is expected to exceed 80 million passengers each year. The design leverages technology to deliver a seamless customer experience and maximise operational efficiency.

The airport will also be an incubator for innovation to create sustainable outcomes for people and the environment. 

Image at top of page © Brett Boardman

A couple walking past gate lounges inside Western Sydney International airport terminal

Transit areas inside WSI © Trevor Mein

Large open space inside Western Sydney International airport terminal

WSI is designed to grow with demand © Brett Boardman

Explore more of our work on Western Sydney International Airport

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport Design

Since 2021, we partnered with Multiplex and Woods Bagot on detailed design and project delivery of the passenger terminal and associated facilities. Some of our achievements include leading the security strategy for the new airport and improving passenger comfort through adaptive daylighting and thermal design.

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A couple of people walking past gate lounges inside Western Sydney International airport terminal
Partners & collaborators

Woods Bagot