A giant air cargo warehouse is currently under construction at Sydney's new international airport, transforming the area from farmland into a modern logistics hub.

The project has secured $805 million in debt financing, raising the total investment to $6.1 billion, underscoring its significance.

Once operational, the cargo hub is expected to initially handle 220,000 tonnes of freight annually, with the potential to grow to 1.8 million tonnes, significantly enhancing Sydney's air cargo capacity by one-third.

The airport will feature eight bays specifically designed for large cargo planes, enabling the loading of high-value goods such as flowers, seafood, and pharmaceuticals destined for Asian markets.

In a strategic move, Qantas and Menzies Aviation have signed agreements to operate warehouses in the cargo precinct, aiming to facilitate rapid delivery of produce from local farmers to Asia.

Complementing the cargo operations, a rail link will be operational upon the airport's opening, making it the first airport in Australia with direct train services and enhancing overall accessibility.

The new airport, located at Badgerys Creek, is set to open in late 2026 and is designed to accommodate 10 million passengers annually, with future capacity projected to reach 82 million by the 2060s.

This site is expected to serve about 2.5 million people within an hour's travel, establishing it as a significant transportation hub for the region.

The airport's curfew-free status provides it with a competitive edge over Sydney Airport, which has restrictions on overnight flights.

Qantas has also invested in new freighter aircraft, including six A321s and two A330s, many of which will serve Australia Post parcels.

Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey has stated that the new warehouse will resemble a contemporary Amazon facility, moving away from traditional cargo shed designs.