Newcastle Airport has recorded the highest passenger volume in its history, handling 1,300,775 passengers across the 2025-2026 financial year. The record represents a 10 per cent year-on-year increase and follows the precinct being named Australia’s Airport of the Year.
Growth was driven by newly introduced direct services connecting the Hunter to Bali, Perth and Hobart, which collectively added more than 94,000 passenger movements during the 12-month period. Operational momentum continued into the start of the 2026-2027 financial year, with the airport recording 112,689 passengers in July 2026, marking its busiest July on record and eclipsing previous monthly benchmarks set in 2017.
Over the past year, the airport commenced operations from its upgraded international terminal facilities and secured sustainability accreditations, including a 5 Star Green Star Buildings “As Built” certification and Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+. Immediate route expansion plans focus on securing direct connections to Fiji and Auckland.
Chair of Newcastle Airport, Samantha Martin-Williams stated that expanded flight schedules strengthen regional economic capability across tourism, advanced manufacturing, defense and international trade.
“This record result demonstrates our region’s strong appetite for greater connectivity, with our newly introduced services to Bali, Perth and Hobart continuing to perform exceptionally well,” Samantha said.
“The new Denpasar (Bali), Perth and Hobart routes contributed more than 94,000 additional passenger movements during the year. This demonstrates the outstanding results that can be achieved for the Hunter when airlines, governments and communities work together to deliver the services our region has been calling for. We’ve carried that momentum straight into the new financial year, with 112,689 passengers travelling through Newcastle Airport in July. It was our busiest July on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2017 and giving us a strong start to what promises to be another big year for the airport and our region.
“This is a regional growth story of national significance. Better air connectivity brings more visitors and investment into the region, creating and connecting jobs with new customers, talent and suppliers locally and overseas. It also helps regional businesses and growing markets. It backs the status of the Hunter as a global tourism, trade, defence industry and advanced manufacturing centre. It strengthens regional NSW as a place to invest, grow and do business.”
Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Airport, Linc Horton added that community demand supports ongoing negotiations with domestic and international airline partners.
“Every new route we’ve introduced has been met with overwhelming support from the community, demonstrating the strength of demand that exists across our region and providing a strong case for additional services,” Linc said.
“The region’s appetite for travel has never been stronger and as additional airline capacity comes online, we expect to unlock even greater opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and jobs across the Hunter. We will continue to build on this record year and be the airport our region deserves. Our immediate route aspirations include Fiji and Auckland, however we are actively pursuing a number of additional destinations as part of our long-term connectivity strategy for the region.”
IMAGE | Newcastle Airport records 1.3 million passengers in FY26 following Airport of the Year honour
