Two Indian airlines for Sydney’s newest airport?

IndiGo and Air India could begin flying to the new Western Sydney International (WSI) airport, due to open at the end of 2026 and bringing new routes, competition and choice for travellers.

The move comes as both airlines are gearing up for international growth with factory-fresh jets on order from Airbus and Boeing.

Singapore Airlines has already been confirmed as Western Sydney’s first international airline, and has long been popular for carrying Indian travellers to cities through the subcontinent via its Singapore hub.

Western Sydney International airport will open at the end of 2026.

Speaking with The Hindu, Destination NSW’s Country Manager for India, Samar Chokshi, said “discussions are on with Air India and IndiGo to operate direct flights to this airport once they get new aircraft.”

Travel to Australia from India was “growing exponentially, in high double digits,” Chokshi noted - and in common with worldwide trends, there’s also been a “dramatic shift” into premium cabins.

As a result, airlines “are investing a lot more in the front of the aircraft in the products, and updating the products and experiences in the front and catering to Indian dietary needs.”

Air India and Qantas currently have the only direct flights from Sydney to India: the former to New Delhi, and the later to Bengaluru.

Air India keen for Aussie expansion

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson recently remarked that Australia holds “plenty of untapped potential,” following the flag-carrier’s privatisation under Indian conglomerate Tata Group.

“Clearly there’s a huge amount of opportunity to grow… we see a significant opportunity with the Indian diaspora, and Australia is ranked, I think, in the top three of the markets Indians want to travel to.”

Air India's new business class suites.

Wilson also believes Indian airports have the potential to compete with the likes of Singapore, Dubai and Doha as stopover hubs.

“It’s exactly the same geography as the Gulf, Middle East and South-East Asia, so we can participate in all those central networks,” he said.

“We see a massive opportunity to connect India to more corners of the globe with unmatched service and quality.”

Air India's new business class suites.

The Star Alliance member is investing US$400m in a “complete makeover” of its 40 Boeing 777s and 787s to include new first and business class suites and a fresh take on premium economy, while also waiting on a gargantuan order of 470 Airbus and Boeing planes.

“As soon as we get aircraft, we would like to put more into Australia, absolutely,” Wilson said.

IndiGo gets ready for the long haul

Meanwhile, Qantas partner IndiGo – which is now India’s largest airline – is intent to spread its wings with an order for up to 100 Airbus A350 jets.

To date, IndiGo has been primarily a low-cost domestic and regional airline flying single-aisle Airbus A320-series.

However, the Delhi-based airline is now fitting 12 premium ‘business class’ recliners to its A321neo fleet, and is expected to add flatbed business class suites to the A350s when they begin arriving from 2027.