The Hunter will finally boast the world-class aviation facility it deserves.

That’s the promise from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock as they “turned the sod” to officially start work on the Terminal Expansion Project on Thursday 6 July.

The event marked the beginning of construction, which will enhance the Williamtown structure’s capacity, efficiency and overall user experience.

Mr Albanese said his government wanted to see regional centres like Newcastle grow and prosper into the future.

“We are ensuring that every dollar that is invested has lasting benefits for the Hunter region,” he explained.

“We understand how important tourism is to the Hunter.

“And, these upgrades will connect the region, and its incredible products, to the rest of the world.”

“Aviation is a catalyst to our economy’s growth and the Hunter’s transition,” Dr Cock added.

“So, I would like to thank the Prime Minister and all the Albanese government for their ongoing support and commitment to our vision.

“As the sixth largest economy in the country, the people of our region are passionately behind our airport and connecting the Hunter to the rest of the world.

“I want to sincerely express my gratitude to Paterson MP Meryl Swanson for her tireless efforts in advocating for us, as well as Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon and Shortland MP Pat Conroy.

“We thank them, as well as our state MPs and local government representatives, for their ongoing support for Newcastle Airport and the people of the Hunter.”

Ms Swanson, whose electorate encompasses the facility, said the terminal expansion would be “transformational”.

“We are getting on with the job of delivering on our $55 million election commitment to contribute to the upgrade of an international terminal at Newcastle Airport,” she explained.

“The final product will make a huge difference for the entire Hunter region – for the aviation sector, for local tourism and for communities.”

Newcastle Airport’s executive general manager of marketing and communication Burcak Sezar said the team and Cox Architects worked closely with stakeholders to develop a terminal that was uniquely reflective of Newcastle and the Hunter.

“The design incorporates the sand dunes, our beaches, and the iconic valley in the design and colours,” she added.

“It is also deliberately inclusive, from including the stories of the Worimi people to welcoming those with disabilities.

“We want people in our airport to know they are in Newcastle Airport.

“We want the people of the Hunter to feel that this is our airport and use it with pride.

“And, we’re confident this unique design achieves that and delivers a stress-free experience for passengers.”

Newcastle Airport Terminal Expansion Project snapshot

• The terminal has been designed by Cox Architects
• Construction Control was awarded the managing contract in April 2023
• The terminal is due for completion in mid-to-late 2024
• The $110 million project will include significant upgrades to the airport’s existing terminal building, providing a world-class passenger experience for the region
• Construction Control, a leading Australian construction company, was awarded the Newcastle Airport Terminal Upgrade contract in April 2023
• This will be a complex build, continuing to deliver amazing customer experience for passengers while expanding the footprint by 50% and creating new arrivals and departure processes
• The new terminal building has been designed to achieve a 5-star green-star rating
• The project is anticipated to create more than 500 construction jobs throughout its life and will provide long-term benefits for the region
• The terminal and runway upgrade in total will create 4,410 jobs throughout the airport precinct after construction
• Over the next 20 years, the upgrade and expansion of the runway and terminal will strengthen the region with approximately $12.7 billion in economic activity

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