Newcastle Airport Secures First Direct Link to Perth Amid Major Terminal Upgrade

newy.com.au – Newcastle Airport will launch its first direct flights to Perth on 8 September 2025, establishing a new air corridor between the Hunter region and Western Australia. Operated by QantasLink, the service will run three times a week, on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, using a 150-seat Airbus A319. The route will provide 900 seats per week and more than 45,000 seats annually between the two cities.

The introduction of the direct Perth service means residents from Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Hunter, and even the Central Coast will no longer need to travel to Sydney for flights to WA, cutting down on travel time and improving convenience for holidaymakers, families and business travellers alike.

The announcement comes as Newcastle Airport approaches completion of a $250 million terminal upgrade. Set to open in August 2025, the redevelopment features a new international terminal designed by Cox Architecture, Newcastle’s first aerobridge, and infrastructure to handle wide-body aircraft. The project has received $121 million in joint funding from the Commonwealth Government for terminal and runway works, which will enable international services and long-haul domestic flights.

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton described the Perth service as a strategic development for the region. “We’ve worked hard to secure this route because it’s one our community and extended region needs,” Mr Horton said. “The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA’s resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and Fly In Fly Out operations.

“It also brings loved ones together and unlocks international one-stop connections via Perth to cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and seasonal to Rome. Western Australia is a vital part of Australia’s economy, and this service gives the Hunter’s businesses and workers faster, easier access to it.”

The new connection is expected to generate $21.7 million for the local economy annually and support 74 new jobs. Perth is currently the fifth most travelled-to destination for residents in the Newcastle Airport catchment, and a public survey in 2024 received over 5,000 responses in one day, with 97% of respondents saying they would use direct flights to Perth.

Jude Munro AO, Chair of Newcastle Airport, said the new service demonstrated confidence in the region and its future. “This new route not only supports jobs and tourism but reinforces the Hunter’s strategic importance to our state’s future. Our Board is proud to continue securing new routes that bring real benefits – from boosting tourism and business to providing better lifestyle outcomes for our communities.”

Leah Anderson, Port Stephens Mayor and Newcastle Airport Director, welcomed the announcement. “It’s about time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked. Whether it’s for FIFO work, family reunions or seeing more of Australia – this new route makes travel easier and more accessible.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the route would improve access and bring benefits to the wider region. “More flights mean more tourism and that’s a win for local operators and the wider economy. This new connection is another step forward in making the Hunter not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper noted that the route completed Newcastle’s domestic flight network. “This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle – Newcastle will soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres. These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast.”

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said, “These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth. We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today.”

From Perth’s perspective, the new route fills a significant gap. Kate Holsgrove, Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer at Perth Airport, said, “Newcastle is our largest domestic market unserved by a non-stop flight and there is significant demand between the two cities. This new route will connect passengers from northern New South Wales to international flights from Perth to London, Paris, South Africa and more.”

The service is supported by the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund, which aims to expand air connectivity across the state. It follows other recent route wins for Sydney and Newcastle under the same program.

The flight schedule is as follows:

Newcastle to Perth: Sunday, Monday, Friday (afternoon departures)

Perth to Newcastle: Sunday, Monday, Friday (morning departures)