A world-class shopping precinct for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is a step closer, with the release of a tender for a duty-free retail partner to set up shop at Sydney’s new 24-hour global gateway.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said retailers who completed an extensive registration of interest process have now been invited to tender to become WSI’s duty-free retail partner.
“We are well on the way to delivering a top-tier shopping experience for our future passengers, visitors and staff,” Mr Hickey said.
“We’re excited to be building an airport in Sydney’s cultural heartland that can be a destination in its own right and we want to collaborate with retailers that champion customer engagement and provide a distinctive experience that reflects the region in which we’ll be operating.
“While construction of the airport has been forging ahead, today’s announcement also shows we are building up momentum in important commercial offerings as we move closer to opening our doors from late 2026,” Mr Hickey said.
WSI’s General Manager for Retail Glyn Williams is leading the planning and design of what will soon become a premier shopping and dining experience for Western Sydney.
“The tender announced today is a rare opportunity for a duty-free retailer to join a spectacular new shopping destination that will put Western Sydney on the map,” Mr Williams said.
“We are focused on delivering a premium experience, providing access to world renown brands whilst incorporating a localised flavour.”
WSI will have around 7,000 square metres of leasable retail space for customers to enjoy. This includes 40+ retail stores, and more than 2,200 square metres of duty-free space within the international terminal.
Tenders for other categories including foreign exchange, travel essentials, general retail, food and beverage and vending are among those that will be undertaken in the next 12 months.
Further updates on the timing of the remaining tenders will be announced in due course. Interested parties can contact retail@wsaco.com.au for more information.
WSI is on track to open to international, domestic and air cargo services by late 2026, and will have capacity for up to 10 million passengers a year. WSI will eventually become Sydney’s biggest airport handling more than 80 million annual passengers, akin to London’s Heathrow airport today.
