The sky’s the limit for Newcastle Airport after the Williamtown precinct registered a record quarter at the end of 2025.
A total of 340,778 passengers travelled through the terminal in October, November and December, winding up a successful year for the facility, which included the completion of the expanded depot and new direct flights to Bali, Perth and Hobart.
Now, it’s on track to welcome 1.334 million commuters by 31 July.
But, Newcastle Airport isn’t sitting on its laurels either.
From 29 March, passengers will be able to travel from the Hunter to Singapore via Bali, a critical connection to one of Asia’s most important hubs.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the results reflected both strong demand and the confidence of travellers in the region.
“In a case of build it and they will come, the Hunter is proving the new terminal and greater connectivity is exactly what the region ordered,” he explained.
“Passenger demand continues to exceed expectations.
“And, this record quarter highlights the Hunter’s readiness for more direct international services.
“We have the terminal, the infrastructure and the catchment.
“To help reach state and federal tourism objectives, what we need now is strategic partnership from both of them to help unlock the next wave of air connectivity for the greater Hunter.”
Newcastle Airport recently submitted a proposal to the NSW Government for co-investment in more aviation routes and feasibility for an airline base on-site.
It’s recommended a jointly-funded five-year Newcastle Airport Accelerated Aviation Growth Fund, which would unlock an additional 1,000,000 seats into NSW annually.
Designed to directly support the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 target, the program will accelerate international and domestic connectivity into the Hunter, stimulating visitor growth, regional investment and job creation.
At the federal level, Newcastle Airport is also focussing on supporting the safe and scalable expansion of international operations, assisting Australia’s sovereign capability, looking at sustainability via greener air travel and moving to close the gap in the region’s logistics network.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said, as someone who’s recently travelled on both the Bali and Perth services, he had seen first-hand how Newcastle Airport was redefining regional air travel.
“These connections make it easier for local businesses to access new and existing markets and for our community to explore the world from their own backyard,” he stated.
“The growth we’re seeing is exactly what the region needs.
“Plus, the growing passenger numbers through Newcastle Airport has a benefit to local businesses that are active in and service the precinct.
“The growth and development ambitions of the airport are backed by stakeholders across the Hunter… and the passenger statistics only add to the confidence we all have for the future.”
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