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."
"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." said Local Emergency Operations Controller and Liverpool City Police Area Commander, Superintendent Scott Tanner.