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In a bold move to put Western Sydney on the culinary map, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has officially launched the tender process for food and beverage operators to join its terminal precinct. When the terminal opens in late 2026, it promises an all-day, all-night feast of flavours.

With major construction now within striking distance of completion, WSI is shifting its sights to the most eagerly anticipated part of any modern airport: the food.

“We are rapidly approaching opening day, with the completion of major construction works mere weeks away,” said WSI CEO Simon Hickey. “Adding to that excitement is our growing retail and hospitality offering, which I’m delighted to say now includes opportunities for hospitality businesses to join Sydney’s 24-hour airport.”

The airport has cast its net wide, inviting operators from across the spectrum—think coffee artisans, fast food innovators, gastro pubs, wine bars, and top-tier restaurateurs—to be part of a new era in airport hospitality. Those already registered with an interest may formally tender for a piece of the 2,300 square metres of leasable space allocated to food and beverage businesses inside the terminal.

“Anyone who’s travelled through an airport would appreciate that once you’ve dropped off your bag and cleared security, you and your loved ones will most often be looking for a place to enjoy food and a drink before you board your flight,” Hickey added. “We want to create a fantastic experience for our customers so they can relax and enjoy a variety of world-class, all-day dining options that enhance their travels while showcasing the best global and Australian food trends.”

Unlike traditional airport dining offerings that often feel like an afterthought, WSI positions food as a central pillar of its passenger experience. With Sydney’s only 24-hour international gateway soon to open its gates, the airport aims to reflect both global culinary trends and the local soul of Western Sydney, long celebrated as one of Australia’s most diverse and culturally rich communities.

“WSI will be a wonderful, new airport experience for all of Greater Sydney, but it’s proudly at home in Western Sydney—one of Australia’s most diverse and fastest growing regions,” said Hickey. “So we’re also keen to hear from businesses who can help highlight our vibrant home city.”

Indeed, WSI’s food precinct isn’t merely a convenience for passengers—it’s a stage to celebrate the multicultural heartbeat of Western Sydney through menus that echo neighbourhoods from Parramatta to Penrith, Cabramatta to Campbelltown.

More than 20 sites have been earmarked within the terminal, ranging in size and concept, allowing for boutique operations and larger-scale outlets. According to Hickey, it’s a chance for emerging names and household favourites to coexist, crafting a scene where the smell of Vietnamese pho might mingle with wood-fired pizzas or sizzling lamb skewers.

Operators keen to contribute to shaping this vision have until the second half of 2025 to submit their tenders. Inquiries are encouraged via [email protected].

WSI is on track to open for international, domestic and air cargo services in 2026, with an initial capacity of up to 10 million passengers annually—a figure expected to soar as Sydney’s west cements its position as Australia’s next great economic and lifestyle hub.

Whether you’re a traveller chasing a pre-flight flat white or a fine-diner seeking caviar before check-in, WSI promises to elevate expectations with a menu as diverse and dynamic as the region it calls home.