# Jetstar operations at Western Sydney International Airport > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jetstar-operations-at-western-sydney-international-airport > Updated: 2026-09-01T00:42:55.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. Jetstar has conducted its first test flight at the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. Operating as flight JQ7990 from Melbourne, the Airbus A320 aircraft tested taxi routes, gate access, refueling procedures, and aerobridges. The flight is part of an Operational Readiness Program designed to stress-test terminal systems, including baggage handling, security screening, and check-in, using community volunteers. The airport, which features a digital control tower with remote monitoring from Eastern Creek, is scheduled to begin commercial operations on 25 October. ## Claims - Jetstar conducted its first test flight to Western Sydney International. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Hundreds of volunteers are participating in trials to test check-in, security, and airport facilities. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Flight JQ7990 from Melbourne carried a crew but no passengers and arrived at 9:16 am. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The airport utilizes a digital control tower with human monitoring from a remote location in Eastern Creek. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Commercial services at Western Sydney International are scheduled to begin on 25 October. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-01: Jetstar conducts first test flight at Western Sydney International Airport Jetstar completed its first test flight at Western Sydney International Airport, testing ground services and infrastructure ahead of the facility's scheduled commercial opening on 25 October. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jetstar-conducts-first-test-flight-at-western-sydney-international-airport ### 2026-08-31: Jetstar expands Newcastle-Hobart direct flight capacity Jetstar is expanding its Newcastle-Hobart direct flight service with 6,000 additional seats for the 2026-2027 season. Newcastle Airport also reported record international passenger numbers. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jetstar-expands-newcastle-hobart-direct-flight-capacity --- Cite as: Jetstar operations at Western Sydney International Airport. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jetstar-operations-at-western-sydney-international-airport