QantasLink Launches Newcastle to Perth Direct Flights

8 September 2025

newy.com.au – Newcastle Airport’s first direct service to Perth departs today, launching a QantasLink route from Newcastle to Western Australia which will operate three times a week.

Airport and government backers say the link ends the need for Hunter travellers to drive to Sydney for westbound journeys and advances the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which aims to improve access to and from regional NSW. Newcastle Airport says the 150‑seat QantasLink Airbus A319 service aligns with common crew‑change days for the region’s FIFO workforce, offers more convenient family and leisure options, and provides one‑stop international connections via Perth to destinations across Europe, Asia and South Africa.

Newcastle Airport chief executive Linc Horton said securing direct Perth flights had been a long‑term goal because it both meets community demand and grows the regional economy. The airport says the route will expand aviation access, inject $21.7 million into the Hunter each year and create 74 local jobs. “Locals and businesses have been telling us for years they wanted this connection and with the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction fund behind us, our team was able to turn that demand into reality,” Mr Horton said. “This is about listening to our region and working with government and airline partners to deliver the connections people need.”

Horton said early sales for the Newcastle–Perth route were strong and pointed to the airport’s new terminal and wider strategy goals. “The new direct to Perth service demonstrates how our new terminal will connect our 1.4 million‑strong catchment with more destinations, more easily and will play a key role in delivering on the Strategy’s ambitious targets, especially the 8.5 million new airline seats and $91 billion visitor spend by 2035. Early sales for the Newcastle to Perth route are performing well and I’m confident that Newcastle Airport could grow the Qantas service beyond three flights per week.”

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the route was delivered with support from the state’s Aviation Attraction Fund. “The NSW Government was proud to work with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this route through the Aviation Attraction Fund and the new connection to the west coast opens the door for more people to discover Newcastle and the Hunter. This is a transformational time for Newcastle Airport, the region and the whole state, and I’m excited for our communities to experience the economic and social benefits of increased visitation.”

Western Australia Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said the connection would benefit both states. “This new service is another exciting step forward in strengthening Western Australia’s domestic aviation network and opening new opportunities for travellers to experience our incredible state,” Mr Whitby said. “By strengthening direct aviation connections, we’re making it easier for Australians to experience everything WA has to offer – from our vibrant capital city to our world‑class regional destinations. These efforts are vital to supporting tourism, creating jobs, and driving economic growth across the state.”

QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan said the flights would boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and the mining and resources sectors by providing a direct option for east‑west travel without transiting Sydney. “These flights will provide over 45,000 seats between Newcastle and Perth annually with connections on to Qantas’ extensive domestic and international networks, including new one‑stop options for Newcastle residents to London and Paris via Perth,” Ms Yangoyan said.

Newcastle Airport chair Jude Munro AO said the Board’s focus was on regional economic growth and connectivity, thanking the Qantas Group for its confidence in the route. “I would also like to thank the NSW Government for aligning with our push to increase regional connectivity via their Aviation Attraction Fund, which plays a critical role in unlocking new connections with airlines for our region to enjoy,” Ms Munro said.

Port Stephens Mayor, and Newcastle Airport director, Leah Anderson called the link “a true game changer for the Hunter Region”. “It’s a direct connection to Western Australia’s huge mining and resources industry, which means new opportunities for business, jobs and investment right here in the Hunter,” Ms Anderson said. “Plus, it’s a huge win for our tourism industry with more people from WA being able to fly straight into Newcastle to experience everything our region has to offer, from our amazing wine country to our beautiful coastline.”

The airport directed travellers to its website for flight information and bookings, and said parking options are available on site.