Hello Europe: first Middle Eastern airline signs on with Western Sydney airport

Western Sydney's runway to the world just landed its first Middle Eastern airline - and another seamless connection to Europe.

Qatar Airways has officially signed on with Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), giving Aussie travellers a five-star link to Europe, Africa and beyond via Doha.

Qatar Airways will launch direct services between Hamad International Airport in Doha and WSI from December 15, 2027.

Passengers can connect in Doha for Qatar flights to Europe, Africa and across the Middle East.

The airline will initially fly three times weekly with plans to increase to daily services as demand grows.

Doha flights will arrive into WSI on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11.45pm - later than is possible at Sydney Kingsford Smith. Flights will then depart WSI at 4.10pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Doha at 11pm.

Qatar Airways will use its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring the lauded Qsuite Business Class suite, as well as business class and economy class seats. Every passenger on board will have access to free Starlink Wi-Fi.

Tickets will be available to purchase from December 19.

The WSI flights will be in addition to Qatar Airways' Sydney services, and will join other existing services in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra.

With its five-star reputation and Doha's connections to more than 170 destinations, Qatar signing on with WSI is "a big deal", according to Graeme Hughes, Adjunct Associate Professor with Griffith University's Business School.

"Until now the international list has been Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and a handful of budget operators, so this is a real boost for the airport's credibility," Hughes tells Explore.

It could even attract fellow Middle East airline, Emirates.

"Canberra cleared it in May for up to seven weekly services, it already flies three times a day to Sydney, and it is not an airline that likes to watch Qatar get a head start," Hughes says.

"Air India is a possible outsider after the Premier's talks in September. Virgin Australia has made no commitment so far."

Dr Garth Lean, senior lecturer in tourism and heritage studies at Western Sydney University, says Qatar's commitment is "a very strong start for a new airport".

The late-night arrivals would not be possible at Sydney Airport which has an 11pm curfew.

"This highlights the flexibility of having a 24-hour airport. As more flights are added at different times of day, travellers will have greater choice and potentially shorter layovers when connecting through international hubs such as Doha," Lean tells Explore.

Professor Rico Merkert, Head of the School of International Business, Logistics and Supply Chains at the University of Sydney, says Qatar's late start - not until December 2027 - is likely due to "the geopolitical situation in the Middle East and how that affects demand and also fuel price volatility".

His money is on Air India as the likely next airline to sign on with WSI due to the Western Sydney demographic which houses a large South Asian community.

Jetstar was the first domestic carrier to fly out of WSI when the airport opened to passengers for the first time on Sunday, October 25.

Air New Zealand followed with the first international flight on Monday, October 26.

Griffith University's Hughes says the Metro is due to service the airport from 2027, but until then a traveller from the inner city needs "a train, a bus and about an hour and 40 minutes, which is nearly the length of a flight to Melbourne".

"A hotel on site, proper lounges and a capped taxi fare would all help too. Mascot has a $60 limit to the CBD, and WSI should offer something similar," says Hughes.

Travel writer and frequent flyer Matt Graham says his biggest hope for WSI is a train connection "as soon as possible".

"The airport looks great and modern, and should be a better overall experience than Sydney Airport as there will simply be a lot more space and far fewer passengers, at least initially," Graham tells Explore.

He also looks forward to more airlines announcing their intentions to fly from WSI, and hopes for a new budget airline to be based there.

Western Sydney University's Lean says reliable late-night public transport will be important as passengers numbers increase.

"The metro will make a big difference when it opens. In the meantime, there are new bus services, improved motorway connections and plenty of parking," Lean says.