Terminal Upgrade Project

Newcastle Airport Expansion

Construction has officially kicked off on the Terminal Expansion project with the first sod turned by Prime Minister, the Hon. Anthony Albanese, in July 2023. 

This upgrade is essential to process the long-haul aircraft, which can carry close to 400 passengers – a large increase to the 180 passengers carried by our domestic fleet.

This is a nationally significant project and, combined with the Code E upgrade of the runway, this is a game-changer for our region. With the final piece of the puzzle now secured, our region is moving towards true global connectivity. The terminal will not only offer convenience to travellers who want to fly internationally. It will also drive huge, sustainable economic benefits across the region through inbound tourism and new freight-related industries, including import and export.

Cox Architecture has been appointed to design the new terminal.

Works to upgrade the airfield began in Q2 2022. Enabling works for the new passenger terminal, including a new Premium Car Park, commenced in Q3 2022.

Work on the expanded passenger terminal is expected to commence in July 2023. 

Watch our Terminal Expansion Fly Through Video

Newcastle Airport precinct enhancement – key facts

• A code E runway will allow wide bodied commercial aircraft such as Boeing 787’s and Airbus A330’s to use Newcastle Airport.
• These aircraft carry in excess of 250 passengers and significant freight loads. They are able to undertake long haul flights into North Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
• The Airport Master Plan outlines the following facilities to cater for an increase in passengers
  • terminal transformation to offer facilities expanded over two levels
  • additional food, beverage and retail businesses
  • international services implemented into the facilities
  • aero-bridges from the upper level
  • major modifications to integrate ground transport and road access
  • creation of a pedestrian plaza
  • additional car parking areas and offerings
  • creation of a ‘campus’ style business precinct.
• Over the next 20 years, the upgrade of the airfield and terminal will generate the creation of 4,400 extra fulltime jobs.
• Over the same time, it will also generate:
  • $6.2Billion in extra income for the visitor economy
  • $6.5Billion in additional business activity through increased freight access
• 80% of Australia’s air freight travels in the hold of passenger aircraft.