Marking one of the biggest infrastructure moments for the Hunter Region and NSW, Newcastle Airport last night officially opened its new international terminal with more than 300 guests and passengers gathering for a milestone moment featuring a spectacular RAAF flyby and a proud celebration of Hunter culture.
Around 300 guests including dignitaries, industry leaders and community representatives proudly gathered to celebrate the expanded terminal which opens the Hunter to the world, enhances international connectivity and stands as a symbol of the region’s growth, ambition and capability.
The evening opened with a spectacular RAAF flyby, followed by a Welcome to Country from Worimi Elder Uncle John and a Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Justin Ridgeway beside a custom-made fire pit. Guests were then treated to a vibrant showcase of Hunter culture, complete with live music and the region’s finest food and wine through Tastes of the Hunter.
Proceedings, hosted by Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, included addresses from Minister for Defence Industry and Federal Member for Shortland The Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Minister for the Hunter The Hon. Yasmin Catley MP, Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson MP, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson and Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle City Council Callum Pull. Formalities concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative artwork by local artist, Mitch Revs.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the terminal’s footprint has now been expanded by 50 per cent opening the Hunter Region to the world and making international travel from Newcastle easier and more accessible. “We commenced direct flights to Perth earlier this month, have direct flights to Bali commencing on the 21st of October and are working on more exciting routes for our region,” Mr Horton said.
“Our region’s new international terminal is a legacy asset built today for the decades to come; for our shareholder councils, Port Stephens and City of Newcastle, for our communities, for the State of New South Wales and for the Federal Government whose investment in us is an investment in our region’s future.
“This terminal is a physical representation of our commitment to delivering the airport our region deserves connecting the people of the Hunter to the world and creating new pathways for trade, tourism and economic development.”
The completed terminal will deliver $12.7 billion in economic benefit over the next 20 years, including $6.2 billion into the visitor economy, $6.5 billion in freight activity and more than 4,000 jobs.
Newcastle Airport was recognised for its significant regional impact and leadership across the Hunter at this month’s 2025 Business Hunter Awards, taking home four major accolades: Business of the Year, Contribution to the Region, Excellence in Sustainability and Outstanding Employee.
A key sustainability milestone was becoming the first airport in Australia to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 4+, placing Newcastle Airport in the top 12% of airports worldwide for carbon management. The airport also reached Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2024, six years ahead of target, through a 100% renewable energy supply, certified carbon offsets, EV and solar investment and achieving a 5-Star Green Star ‘Designed’ assessment rating for the new terminal.
Newcastle Airport Chair Jude Munro AO said our Board’s vision from the outset was to create an airport that reflects the region’s future potential and delivers lasting value. “This terminal represents the long-term vision and commitment of our Board to create infrastructure that supports Government objectives, delivers for today and positions the region for decades of growth,” Ms Munro said.
“The strategic decisions made in partnership with our shareholders and stakeholders have laid the foundation for a truly connected, resilient and globally-minded region.
“These awards honour the people who’ve brought this project to life, from the region who advocated for our new terminal, the Federal Government who supported our region’s ambitions, to our dedicated team committed to delivering an airport experience that embodies the heart and identity of the Hunter, while enabling our region to grow, lead in sustainability and connect with the world.”
The new terminal expands the facility to eight gates, introduces an aerobridge for the first time and more than doubles the airport’s passenger capacity during peak periods. It has been designed to accommodate larger international aircraft, opening the way for future services to major global hubs.
In 2019, in just one example, almost half a million people from the region travelled to and from Europe, demonstrating strong existing demand for international services. This would fill the equivalent of more than 2 long haul flights every day. CEO Linc Horton said this terminal is designed to meet the needs of a region that is already travelling to all four corners of the world and to every state in Australia.
Newcastle Airport currently serves around 1.3 million passengers each year. By 2036, this is forecast to grow to 2.6 million annually, with the capacity to ultimately support around 5 million passengers per year.
Visit www.newcastleairport.com.au for flight information and to learn more about the airport’s vision for the future.
