悉尼西部国际机场丨突尼斯巴杰丨扎哈·哈迪德建筑事务所,伍兹贝格,考克斯建筑事务所

The Western Sydney International Airport has been completed with a sinuous timber ceiling, designed by British studio Zaha Hadid Architects and Australian studios Woods Bagot and Cox Architecture.

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.

A wavy ceiling spans over the Western Sydney International Airport

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.

The ceiling's timber slats were designed to filter light

"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."

The airport's interior was finished in a warm-toned material palette

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 is Australia's newest airport in 50 years

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.

It is set to open in late 2026

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.