Key Takeaways
• Drzewiecki Design released Western Sydney International Airport scenery for MSFS 2020 and 2024 in June 2025.
• The real airport finished construction mid-2025; it will operate 24/7 without curfews, opening in late 2026.
• Scenery features detailed terminals, night lighting, remote control tower, sustainability, and supports major airlines Qantas and Jetstar.
Drzewiecki Design’s Release of Western Sydney International Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator: What It Means for Virtual Pilots and the Real World
At the end of June 2025, Drzewiecki Design, a well-known developer in the flight simulation world, released its highly anticipated Western Sydney International Airport (YSWS) scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 and 2024. This release comes at a key moment, as the real-world Western Sydney International Airport—also known as Nancy-Bird Walton International Airport—has just completed its major construction phase. The airport is now moving into systems testing and operational readiness, with a public opening set for late 2026. This virtual scenery gives flight simulation fans a chance to experience the airport before it opens to the public, while also reflecting the latest developments in one of Australia’s most important infrastructure projects.
Why This Release Matters Now
Drzewiecki Design’s Western Sydney International Airport scenery is more than just a digital add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator. It arrives at a time when the real airport is making headlines for finishing its main construction. The airport, located about 44 kilometers west of Sydney’s central business district, is the first major new airport built in Australia 🇦🇺 in over 50 years. It is designed to operate 24 hours a day, without the curfews that limit flights at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. This makes it a game-changer for both the aviation industry and travelers in the region.
For virtual pilots, the release means they can now fly into and out of a highly accurate version of Western Sydney International Airport in both MSFS 2020 and the new MSFS 2024. The add-on is available for purchase on SimMarket for about $23.44, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Key Features of the Drzewiecki Design Scenery
The new scenery from Drzewiecki Design stands out for its attention to detail and up-to-date modeling. Here’s what users can expect:
- Accurate terminal and runway layouts that match the airport’s real-world status as of mid-2025
- Advanced night lighting for realistic flying at any time of day
- Custom jetways that connect aircraft to the terminal
- Realistic ground textures and markings for an authentic look and feel
- Integration of sustainable features, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the airport’s focus on green technology
- Support for both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, ensuring compatibility with the latest simulator platforms
The airport’s 3.7-kilometer runway (05/23) and modern terminal are both modeled in detail. The terminal is designed to handle both domestic and international flights under one roof, just like the real airport.
Background: Australia’s First Major New Airport in Decades
Western Sydney International Airport is a landmark project for Australia 🇦🇺. It is the first major “greenfield” airport—meaning it was built from scratch on undeveloped land—in over half a century. The airport sits in the Badgerys Creek and Luddenham area, chosen for its space and potential to serve the growing population of Greater Sydney.
The airport is designed to be curfew-free, allowing flights at all hours. This is a big change from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, which faces strict curfews and cannot expand much further. The new airport’s master plan includes:
- A terminal inspired by the Greater Blue Mountains and local First Nations culture
- Over 6,000 solar panels to generate clean energy
- Systems for collecting and reusing rainwater
- A layout that allows for future expansion as demand grows
Key stakeholders in the project include the Western Sydney Airport Corporation (WSA Co), the Australian Government, and major airlines like Qantas, Jetstar, and Singapore Airlines. These airlines have already announced plans to operate from the new airport once it opens.
Current Status: Construction Complete, Testing Underway
As of July 2025, the main construction work at Western Sydney International Airport is finished. This includes the terminal, runway, and key airside facilities. The airport is now in a phase called “systems testing and operational readiness.” This means teams are checking all the systems—like baggage handling, security, and air traffic control—to make sure everything works as planned.
Other work, such as fitting out retail areas and airline lounges, will continue into 2026. The airport is on schedule to open for domestic, international, and air cargo flights in late 2026.
For flight simulation fans, the Drzewiecki Design scenery offers a unique chance to explore the airport before it opens in real life. This is especially exciting for those who want to practice approaches, departures, and ground operations at a brand-new airport.
What Makes This Airport and Scenery Special?
Several features make both the real-world airport and the Drzewiecki Design scenery stand out:
- Remote and virtual control tower: Western Sydney International Airport will have Australia’s first remote and virtual air traffic control tower. This means controllers can manage flights using cameras and sensors, rather than being in a traditional tower on site.
- Sustainability: The airport is built with the environment in mind, using solar panels and rainwater systems to reduce its impact.
- 24-hour operations: Unlike many airports, there are no curfews, so flights can arrive and depart at any time.
- Modern design: The terminal combines practical needs with inspiration from local landscapes and cultures.
The Drzewiecki Design scenery captures these features, giving users a realistic and up-to-date experience in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
How to Get and Use the Scenery
The Drzewiecki Design Western Sydney International Airport scenery is sold through SimMarket and other major MSFS add-on stores. After purchasing, users download the package and install it into their MSFS Community folder. This is the standard way to add new airports and scenery to Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The product works with both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, so users can enjoy it now and in the future as the simulator evolves. Drzewiecki Design is known for supporting their products with updates, so users can expect improvements as the real airport moves from construction to full operation.
Community and Expert Reactions
The flight simulation community has welcomed the release with enthusiasm. Many users praise the scenery for its accuracy, attention to detail, and the way it reflects the real airport’s progress. For virtual pilots, having access to a detailed model of Western Sydney International Airport means they can practice flying into a major new hub before it opens to the public.
Industry experts also highlight the importance of the airport’s innovative features, like the remote control tower and focus on sustainability. These elements are not only interesting from a technical point of view but also show how airports are changing to meet new challenges.
Economic and Social Impacts
The opening of Western Sydney International Airport is expected to bring big changes to the region. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the airport will create thousands of jobs during construction and after opening. It will also improve connections for people living in Greater Sydney, making it easier to travel both within Australia 🇦🇺 and overseas.
For airlines, the new airport offers a chance to expand services and reach new customers. For travelers, it means more choices and less congestion at the existing Sydney airport. The airport’s location also supports the growth of nearby communities, with new businesses and services expected to follow.
What This Means for Immigration and International Travel
While the Drzewiecki Design scenery is aimed at virtual pilots, the real-world airport will have a direct impact on immigration and international travel. Once open, Western Sydney International Airport will handle both domestic and international flights, including air cargo. This means more entry points for visitors, students, and skilled workers coming to Australia 🇦🇺.
The airport’s modern facilities and 24-hour operations will make it easier for people to arrive and depart at times that suit their needs. For those moving to Australia 🇦🇺 or visiting family, the new airport could mean shorter travel times and more flight options.
For official information about the airport’s progress and future immigration procedures, readers can visit the Western Sydney Airport official government website.
Looking Ahead: Future Updates and Developments
As the real airport moves closer to opening, Drzewiecki Design is expected to update the scenery to reflect new developments. This could include changes to terminal layouts, new airline liveries, and the addition of more facilities as they come online. Users are encouraged to check Drzewiecki Design’s official website and the SimMarket product page for news about updates and support.
The airport’s opening in late 2026 will be a major event for both the aviation industry and the wider community. As more airlines announce routes and services, the airport will become an important hub for travel in and out of Australia 🇦🇺.
Practical Tips for Virtual Pilots
If you’re interested in trying out the Drzewiecki Design Western Sydney International Airport scenery in Microsoft Flight Simulator, here are some practical steps:
- Purchase the scenery from SimMarket or another trusted MSFS add-on retailer.
- Download the package and follow the instructions to install it in your MSFS Community folder.
- Check compatibility with your version of MSFS (2020 or 2024).
- Explore the airport by flying different approaches, departures, and ground operations.
- Stay updated by following Drzewiecki Design’s official channels for news about updates and improvements.
Summary Table: Drzewiecki Design YSWS for MSFS (as of July 2025)
| Feature | Details (July 2025) |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Late June 2025 |
| Platforms | MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024 |
| Price | ~$23.44 (SimMarket) |
| Real Airport Status | Construction complete, opening late 2026 |
| Key Features | Detailed terminal/runway, night lighting, jetways |
| Unique Aspects | Remote/virtual tower, sustainability, 24-hour ops |
| Airlines Announced | Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines |
| Community Reception | Positive, praised for accuracy and detail |
| Official Info | www.westernsydneyairport.gov.au |
Actionable Takeaways
- Virtual pilots can now experience Western Sydney International Airport in Microsoft Flight Simulator before it opens in real life.
- Travelers and immigrants should watch for updates about the airport’s opening, as it will offer new options for flights to and from Australia 🇦🇺.
- Flight simulation fans should keep their scenery updated to enjoy the latest features as the airport develops.
- For official updates, visit the Western Sydney Airport government portal.
Final Thoughts
The release of Drzewiecki Design’s Western Sydney International Airport scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator marks an exciting moment for both virtual pilots and the real-world aviation community. It gives users a chance to explore a major new airport before it opens, while also reflecting the latest trends in airport design and technology. As the real airport prepares to welcome its first flights in late 2026, both the virtual and real versions will continue to evolve, offering new opportunities for travelers, immigrants, and aviation fans alike.
Learn Today
Drzewiecki Design → A developer known for creating detailed scenery add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) → A popular flight simulation software platform for virtual aviation enthusiasts.
Greenfield Airport → An airport built from undeveloped land without constraints of previous infrastructure.
Remote Control Tower → A virtual air traffic control tower using cameras and sensors instead of a traditional tower.
Sustainability Features → Airport elements like solar panels and rainwater systems designed to reduce environmental impact.
This Article in a Nutshell
Drzewiecki Design’s new Western Sydney International Airport scenery offers virtual pilots a realistic early experience of Australia’s first major greenfield airport in 50 years, blending advanced design with modern sustainability and operational innovations before its late 2026 real-world opening.
— By VisaVerge.com
