29 May 2025

From the Hunter to the World; Newcastle Airport Launches Direct Flights to Perth

In a defining moment for the Hunter, Newcastle Airport has today announced its first-ever direct flights to Perth, with QantasLink services launching from Monday, 8 September 2025, opening a new westward corridor for business, industry and regional development. 

The new QantasLink route will operate three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319, bringing 900 new weekly seats and over 45,000 annually to and from Western Australia. 

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the ‘direct to Perth’ service is a natural next step in the airport’s ongoing growth. “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. It also supports our strategy to strengthen the airport’s role as a key economic enabler for the region. 

“The benefits aren’t just outbound. With direct access to the Hunter, Perth-based travellers now have easier reach to a region known for wine, coastlines, defence and energy innovation.” 

Perth is the fifth most travelled-to destination for people in the Newcastle Airport catchment. Customer demand for this route has been clear, with an airport survey in July last year drawing over 5,000 responses in a single day. An overwhelming 97% of respondents said they would likely travel to Perth if direct flights were available… and now they can!  

The new Perth service is forecast to inject around $21.7 million into the local economy each year and create 74 new jobs, reinforcing Newcastle Airport’s role as a key economic driver of regional growth and connectivity for the Hunter region.

Newcastle Airport Chair Jude Munro AO said this route announcement shows confidence in the region, in the airport, and in our future. “We sincerely thank the Qantas Group for placing their trust in Newcastle Airport, its people and our bold plans for growth,” Ms Munro said.    

“We look forward to continuing to work with all levels of government to continue to enable initiatives like the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction fund that grow our regional connectivity and drive local economies. This new route from Newcastle to Perth 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.”  

Port Stephens Mayor (and Newcastle Airport Director) Leah Anderson said the announcement of direct flights to Perth gives our locals something they’ve been asking for… a way to fly west that doesn’t involve traffic jams or early morning drives to Sydney.”  

“It’s about time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked. For the people of Newcastle, Port Stephens, the greater Hunter and south through to the Central Coast, whether it’s for FIFO work, family reunions or seeing more of Australia – this new route makes travel easier and more accessible. Plus, it opens the door to the world, with one-stop connections from Perth to destinations including London, Paris, Rome, Singapore and more. It’s another strong step forward in Newcastle Airport’s commitment to being the airport our region deserves.” 

Visit www.newcastleairport.com.au for flight information on this exciting new Perth connection and to make a booking. A range of affordable and convenient parking options are also available. 

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:  

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this new route that will boost the region’s economy and unlock a new connection with Western Australia.  
“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, and I look forward to working with Newcastle Airport to secure further new routes.” 

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said: 

“QantasLink is proud to be the first airline to offer a direct air link between Newcastle and Perth.  

"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.    

"We’d like to thank Newcastle Airport and the NSW Government for helping make the new route possible.”    

Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove said:

“We are excited to welcome the introduction of Qantas’ new service between Newcastle Airport and Perth Airport.“ It will connect our two cities and will provide a convenient link for both business and leisure travellers.  

“Newcastle is our largest domestic market unserved by a non-stop flight and there is significant demand between the two cities. This new route is another example of Qantas Group's long-term commitment to growing its network into Western Australia. 

“The introduction of this new route will provide more opportunities for people to travel between Perth and Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region and also connect passengers from northern New South Wales to international flights from Perth to London, Paris, South Africa and more.  

“We look forward to working with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to further develop our partnership and explore opportunities that will further connect our two cities, boosting tourism and trade and supporting economic development.” 

#ENDS#

Further information
Kimberly Rigby, PR and Communications Officer
0431 380 403
krigby@newcastleairport.com.au

KEY LINKS:

• Photos for media use: https://tinyurl.com/mvufs9zt (Available from noon)
• Terminal expansion project timelapse video: https://youtu.be/TLW6rSRCXLY
• High-resolution renders: https://tinyurl.com/b22hvs63
• Watch our terminal expansion fly through video: https://youtu.be/zw1_Aw-heAU?si=ja-OWkHSXyYC8dri
• Newcastle Airport website: https://www.newcastleairport.com.au
• Newcastle Airport Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ntlairport
• Newcastle Airport 2036 Airport Vision: 2036-newcastle-airport-vision.pdf (newcastleairport.com.au)

KEY FACTS: Newcastle Airport Growth

• More than 1.2 million passengers flew with the airport in 2024 showing continued upward growth.
• Over the last 10 years, Newcastle Airport has grown six (6) times in enterprise value showing growth and resilience through times of adversity, including unprecedented bushfires, flooding and the Covid 19 pandemic.
• This period of growth highlights Newcastle Airport's resilience and adaptability but also its crucial role in supporting the region's economy and connectivity.
• 2023-2024 Financial Year saw
  • Newcastle Airport’s highest annual passenger numbers in the last five years, indicating high passenger confidence in our airport and in travel for our region.
  • Revenue across passenger facilitation and property and commercial activities was recorded at $42 million this Financial Year, significantly higher than pre COVID period.
• Newcastle Airport has more than tripled investment over the last decade ensuring the region receives the airport the region deserves, ($15.4M – $51M).
• Newcastle Airport has more than doubled the destinations it flies to in the last 10 years, (from 5 – 11). 

About Newcastle Airport:
Newcastle Airport is the gateway to Australia’s largest regional economy and is currently undertaking a transformative, once-in-a-generation $250M precinct expansion, set to be completed in 2025. This project will reposition the Hunter Region as a global player, both domestically and internationally. The terminal expansion is projected to generate 4,400 jobs and contribute $12.7 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years, solidifying our commitment to regional growth and development.