The planned Western Sydney International Airport is "on track" to open in 2026 according to Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Located 50km west of the city’s center within the suburb of Badgerys Creek, the second gateway is meant to decongest the Sydney Airport, which is "nearing capacity" and struggling to accommodate the current demand for flights into and out of the city.

Construction began last year and the airport is on track to open in 2026 with an A$5.6 billion (US$3.83 billion) investment from the federal government.

The new airport, to be named Nancy Bird-Walton airport, will support more than 11,000 jobs in Western Sydney and is expected to support 28,000 jobs within five years of the airport opening.

Employment targets have been set meaning that 30% of jobs during construction will go to local Western Sydney residents, which will increase to 50% when the airport is operating.