Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) will undertake a multiagency emergency exercise in October as part of the airport’s ongoing program to prepare for opening in the second half of 2026.
The exercise will take place on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October and test a full-scale aerodrome emergency response to a simulated airplanes incident.
The two-day program will also see the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) land its 737 aircraft on the WSI runway on 28 October, after which the simulated emergency response will commence.
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 the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Airservices Australia will take part in the two-day simulation, which is expected to involve about 50 emergency service vehicles.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the exercise is an important part of the airport’s ongoing testing, commissioning, and trial program as the countdown to opening continues.
“This will be the most significant emergency exercise WSI has conducted to date and is critical in ensuring that we’re fully prepared to respond safely and efficiently in the unlikely event of an emergency,” he said.
“While the exercise will be invaluable in putting our operational staff and all first responders through their paces, it will also serve to familiarise our emergency service partners with the brand-new WSI precinct – the nation’s first major international greenfield airport in more than 50 years.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said this will be a big moment for Sydney's new airport.
“The runway and terminal are complete, now testing is really ramping up,” she said.
"737s are the most common plane in Australian skies and will be a mainstay on the runways and taxiways of Western Sydney International when it opens in the second half of 2026.
"It's exciting that NSW RFS firefighting jet Marie Bashir will be the first of many 737s touching down soon at Western Sydney International Airport.”
