Newcastle Airport is celebrating the one-year milestone of its international terminal expansion, following a record annual movement of more than 1.3 million passengers through the facility across the 2026 financial year. Opened on 25 September 2025, the international terminal has expanded regional aviation access through direct flights to Bali and onwards to Singapore, alongside new domestic routes connecting Newcastle directly to Perth and Hobart.
The airport currently operates four weekly flights to Singapore via Bali, using single-itinerary bookings that allow passengers to remain on the same aircraft during a 90-minute stopover. The anniversary aligns with the start of the spring school holiday period, during which an estimated 65,000 passengers are expected to travel through the terminal, representing a 10 per cent increase compared with the corresponding holiday period last year.
Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Airport, Linc Horton stated that the expanded international infrastructure has established direct global links for regional businesses and travelers.
“Opening the international terminal gave the Hunter more opportunities to connect to more of Australia and more of the world, direct from their doorstep,” Linc said.
“We have successfully seen our first international passengers through the terminal, launched direct services to Bali and onward connectivity to Singapore, announced new domestic routes to Perth and Hobart and experienced the busiest financial year ever at Newcastle Airport.”
“The terminal has the capability and our community has come together showing the demand. Today we’re celebrating that support with birthday treats for passengers travelling through the terminal because this milestone belongs to everyone who chooses to fly the Newy Way.”
To leverage the international connection, Newcastle Airport is leading a 20-member delegation of Hunter regional leaders to Singapore from 27 September to 2 October 2026. The trade mission includes representatives from the Committee for the Hunter, Business Hunter, the University of Newcastle, state government agencies, regional tourism authorities, and primary export industries to explore trade, investment, and aviation partnerships.
“One year later, having opened the terminal that was designed to link the Hunter with the world, we are travelling to Singapore with regional leaders to explore the relationships, investment, trade and connectivity that can transform that capacity into even greater opportunity.”
“Singapore is a leading aviation, business and investment hub for Asia and an even closer connection with markets such as Singapore can help ease the time, costs and complexities faced by our businesses when accessing the world.
“ The four flights per week Newcastle Airport currently operates to Singapore via Bali lets you book on a single itinerary and stay on the same aircraft during the 90-minute stopover in Bali.
“Each new link means that traveling becomes more accessible for residents, but it also means we have the opportunity to attract more visitors to our region, connect local businesses with the world and generate investment and employment.
“Newcastle Airport is a gateway for regional opportunity and the first year of our international terminal is just the start. Exactly one year ago we opened the doors to our international terminal. Today our focus is on opening more doors for the Hunter.”
IMAGE | Newcastle Airport marks first year of international terminal with record 1.3 million passengers
