newy.com.au – Newcastle Airport expects about 65,000 passengers over the spring school holidays, almost 10 per cent more than the same break last year, as its international terminal marks its first birthday.
The forecast follows what the airport says was its busiest financial year, with more than 1.3 million passengers travelling through in 2025-26. The holiday period will begin as a 20-member Hunter delegation prepares to leave for Singapore to explore aviation links, trade and investment.
The international terminal opened on September 25, 2025. Direct services to Bali and onward connections to Singapore have since begun, while new domestic routes to Perth and Hobart have been announced.
Chief executive Linc Horton said passengers could travel to Singapore four times a week via Bali, booking a single itinerary and staying on the same aircraft during a 90-minute stopover. The connection gives Hunter travellers access to Singapore, although it is not a non-stop service.
The airport-led visit to Singapore will run from September 27 to October 2. Delegates include representatives from the University of Newcastle, Business Hunter, the Committee for the Hunter, government, tourism and regional industries.
Mr Horton said the visit would explore relationships that could build on the terminal’s capacity, with international connectivity among the key themes.
“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,” he said.
He said additional aviation links could also help attract visitors to the Hunter and create opportunities for local businesses, investment and employment.
The forecast holiday traffic is almost 10 per cent above the September-October school holiday period in 2025, adding to the airport’s reported growth over the past financial year.
Passengers travelling through departures on Friday, September 25, will be able to take part in anniversary activities from 1pm to 4pm, including live music, regional food and drink and a new photo booth.
