Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is undertaking a multiagency emergency exercise today as part of the airport’s ongoing program to prepare for opening in the second half of 2026.
The exercise kicked off this morning (Tuesday 28 October) and will conclude tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday 29 October), during which WSI will test a full-scale aerodrome emergency response to a simulated aircraft incident.
The two-day program commenced just after 8am this morning when a NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) 737 aircraft operated by Coulson Aviation landed on the WSI runway, which marked the beginning of the simulated exercise. This is the first time a 737 jet has landed at the new airport.
The exercise will rigorously test the airport’s preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities in accordance with the WSI Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) and ensure the airport meets CASA Certification processes required for the airport’s opening.
WSI’s operational staff alongside approximately 300 volunteers and emergency services partners from the NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS, and NSW Ambulance as well as federal agencies including Airservices Australia, the Australian Federal Police, and Australian Border Force will take part in the simulation, which will also involve about 50 emergency service vehicles.
Over the course of the next two days, the roles and protocols of frontline agencies, including immediate response, incident notification, forward command management, ambulance triage, disaster victim identification and registration, passenger welfare, crisis management and recovery arrangements will all thoroughly be put to the test.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said this week’s exercise is another critical component of the airport’s ongoing trial program as the exciting countdown to opening in the second half of 2026 continues.
“This will be the most significant simulation we’ve carried out to date and it’s a positive opportunity for our airport staff and all first responders to test our collective resources, protocols and general preparedness in a safe, controlled environment,” he said.
“It also marks a significant milestone for Sydney’s new 24-hour airport, with our first 737 jet aircraft landing at WSI’s technologically enabled airfield – a big moment that included welcoming many community onlookers and media on site to capture the historic arrival.
“I thank the state and federal agencies for their close collaboration and the hundreds of community partners and local volunteers supporting the exercise, all of whom will help ensure WSI continues to put safety at the centre of everything we do as we prepare to welcome our first passengers next year.”
PARTNER AGENCY QUOTES
Quotes attributable to Local Emergency Operations Controller and Liverpool City Police Area Commander, Superintendent Scott Tanner:
“Staff from the NSW Police Force along with our emergency services partners will have our capabilities tested with the aim of ensuring a fast, smooth and effective response to a potential emergency.
“The public should be reassured that local crews will have best practice skills and exposure to real-time simulated emergencies, so we are prepared for the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport.”
Quotes attributable to Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Trent Curtin:
“The RFS is proud to play its part in ensuring Western Sydney’s new international airport is safe and resilient. The participation of our 737 Large Air Tanker is not only a first for the airport, but also a demonstration of the important role the RFS plays in protecting communities across our state.
“Exercises like today’s are a valuable opportunity for local emergency services to work alongside one another and test our ability to respond to a large-scale incident in a complex environment.
“This milestone shows how seriously we take community safety, whether it’s fighting bush fires or supporting major, multiagency emergencies.”
Quotes attributable to Peter Curran, Deputy CEO of Airservices Australia:
“Airservices Australia is making a significant investment in people, infrastructure and technology to ensure we’ll be ready to provide primary emergency response capabilities to Western Sydney International Airport for the safety of aircrew and passengers.”
“Our Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service will respond to an aircraft incident anywhere on the aerodrome within three minutes of the initial call.
“Airservices’ fire fighters at WSI will operate our new fleet of Striker Volterra hybrid fire trucks which, in full response mode, can launch from a standing start to 80 km/h in under 25 seconds and discharge more than 10,000 litres of water per minute.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Field Operations, Michael Morris:
“Today, our firefighters will be put through their paces working alongside our emergency services counterparts. By training for the worst-case scenario, we can future proof our response and ensure we are prepared for anything.
"Our firefighters will also have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new airport precinct.”
Quotes attributable to Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan, Chief Executive NSW Ambulance:
“NSW Ambulance is proud to join our emergency service partners in this multi-agency exercise at Western Sydney International Airport.
“Exercises like this are essential for building strong inter-agency collaboration and ensuring we are prepared to respond to any emergency, delivering high-quality care no matter how complex the situation.”
Quotes attributable to AFP Detective Superintendent Clinton Smith:
“Emergency exercises are invaluable opportunities for the AFP to prepare for policing operations once the airport opens in 2026.
Today's exercise enables our members to familiarise themselves with the operational environment and connect and form working relationships with frontline partners involved in the response to these emergency incidents.
“The AFP looks forward to overseeing the security and ensuring the safety of the travelling public at Western Sydney International Airport."
