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Newcastle Airport has been providing air travel to the people of the Hunter, Central Coast and Northern NSW regions, as well as welcoming visitors from across the globe for more than 70 years.

Our airport has a proud history of growth, starting life as Williamtown Civilian Airport in 1947, where it was little more than a ‘tin’ shed. Today we are a thriving domestic and international airport, with a record 1.284 million passengers passing through our doors in 2019.

We’re Australia’s sixth largest regional airport and work closely with our airline partners, FlyPelican, Jetstar, QantasLink, Regional Express (REX) and Virgin Australia to deliver on our purpose of being the airport the region deserves.

Our airport had direct flights daily to Adelaide, Ballina/Byron, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Cobar, Gold Coast, Lord Howe Island, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Whitsundays Coast. We’ve also become a preferred hub for international travellers flying through Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast to the rest of the world.

We were delighted to be the recipients of the President's Award at the 2019 Hunter Business Awards, with CEO Dr Peter Cock also awarded 'Business Leader of the Year'.

The support of our region provides the stimulus for us to grow and prosper, which in turns allows us to help drive positive outcomes for local communities. To be recognised by our region as adding unique value is proof we are heading in the right direction and testament to the incredible growth the airport has achieved.

- Dr Peter Cock, CEO

Newcastle Airport contributes more than $1.16 billion to the state’s economy each year, including $300 million direct to the visitor economy which supported over 5,700 full-time employees across tourism and our airport cluster.

In 2007 we celebrated our 60th anniversary.  Learn more about our remarkable growth and achievements in our 60-year Anniversary Celebration Book.

  • Economic impact assessment (commissioned by Newcastle Airport), determined that our airport supports more than 3,200 jobs and injects $465.5 million into the local economy, with $151 million directly supporting local tourism.
  • Official opening of the $9 million aircraft parking apron expansion, doubling the capacity for simultaneous jet aircraft movements and providing airlines with opportunities for growth and expanded operations at our airport.
  • Newcastle Airport Ambassador Program commenced on 16 May 2008.
  • ‘Bronze’ car park (now Long Stay Saver) opened, adding an additional parking capacity (874 spaces).
  • Western terminal extension is officially opened.
  • DA approval for adjacent land, that would become the Astra Aerolab development.
  • Approval from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for change in company structure. The change enabled the company, now Newcastle Airport Pty Limited, to independently raise debt and ensure a sustainable and long-term company structure. Shareholders (the councils) can now receive dividends from airport profits, if the funds are available. 
  • Official opening of the $14.5 million terminal expansion.
  • Official opening of the airport’s international facilities.
  • Start of seasonal Auckland, New Zealand services.
  • 2036 Newcastle Airport Vision (Master Plan) launches.
  • Newcastle Airport shareholders Port Stephens Council and City of Newcastle agree to exercise the option to purchase 76ha of land adjacent to the Airport for expanded aviation services and commercial developments.
  • NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro MP announces $11.7 million in funding by the NSW Government, to create a world-leading aerospace commercial precinct (Astra Aerolab) adjacent to Newcastle Airport, which provided $8m in co-funding.
  • The Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Pty Ltd is entity is created. 
  • Record 1.284 million passengers pass through Newcastle Airport.
  • Newcastle Airport partners with Virgin Australia to secure ongoing international flights to Auckland, New Zealand.
  • On 14 May NSW Deputy Premier, the Honourable John Barilaro MP, turned the first sod of soil at the Astra Aerolab site, marking the ceremonial commencement of early works.
  • Newcastle Airport signed a Heads of Agreement with major defence contractor BAE Systems Australia to lease land on the 76-hectare Astra Aerolab site.
  • Stage 1 works commenced on the Astra Aerolab development.
  • Newcastle Airport has direct flights daily to seven destinations.

As our region continues to grow, so does our airport. We’re committed to being the airport the region deserves, exploring every opportunity to further support the people of the Hunter, Central Coast and Northern NSW regions.

View our historical timeline for key airport milestones since commencing operation in 1947.

Learn more about our 2036 Newcastle Airport Vision.

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