Zaha Hadid Architects, Woods Bagot and Cox Architecture complete Sydney airport

The Western Sydney International Airport has been completed with a sinuous timber ceiling, designed by architecture studios Zaha Hadid Architects and Cox Architecture with Woods Bagot acting as delivery architect.

Located in Sydney's Badgerys Creek neighbourhood, it was designed to become the city's second airport and Australia's first new major airport in over 50 years.

The initial design concept for the airport terminal was conceived by Cox Architecture and Zaha Hadid Architects, and the design and delivery were carried out by Woods Bagot with construction company Multiplex.

Set to be run 24 hours a day when it opens for operation in late 2026, Western Sydney International Airport aims to boost the local economy and provide a future-proof passenger experience to travellers.

"This is a rare opportunity to define the next generation of airport design on a global stage," said Zaha Hadid Architects director Cristiano Ceccato.

"Together with Cox Architecture, we created a design that meets the highest standards of architectural innovation, passenger experience and operational efficiency."

"What makes this terminal extraordinary is its blend of human-scaled design and international ambition," Ceccato continued. "It is grounded in its setting, and yet globally competitive."

Aiming to create an airport that relates to its surroundings, the Australian sunlight and local nature were key sources of inspiration for the design.

The airport's horizontal shape was informed by the low-lying Cumberland Plain savannah region located west of Sydney, and a glazed entrance facade lets light into the interior.

An undulating ceiling made up of timber slats was designed to filter light in patterns that mimic the way sunlight falls on eucalyptus bark.

"The great Australian light is one of the defining qualities of the Australian experience, and it has been central to our design thinking," said Cox Architecture principal David Holm.

"The way light filters through the terminal shapes how people move, orient and feel, creating a sense of calm, clarity and connection."

"For many, this space marks their very first encounter with Australia, and we wanted that experience to feel unmistakably grounded in place," he added.

Western Sydney International Airport was designed to have a seamless flow between outdoor and indoor spaces, with the interior finished in a warm material palette.

It has a modular design that can be expanded in the future, aiming to enable future adaptations without compromising the efficiency of normal operations.

"The terminal offers a constantly evolving visual experience and sense of joy as passengers move through the space," said Woods Bagot principal Neil Hill.

Other airport designs that have recently been unveiled on Dezeen include BIG's plans for a glulam airport in Bhutan and designs by Corgan and Lake Flato to expand San Antonio International Airport in Texas.

The photography is by Brett Boardman and Trevor Mein.

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