Devils, discoveries and direct flights: Newcastle to Hobart takes off from today

Newcastle Airport today celebrated a significant boost in regional connectivity as Jetstar’s inaugural Newcastle to Hobart service takes off, marking the first direct air link between the two cities and another major milestone in the airport’s expanding domestic network following the announcement of direct flights to Perth in May. 

Jetstar flight JQ489 departed Newcastle at 3:25pm, carrying more than 160 passengers on board. Operated by an Airbus A320, the service will run three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until 21 April 2026, with plans to operate for future summers.

The connection provides more than 22,000 low-cost seats this season, opening up new opportunities for both leisure and business travel, while significantly reducing travel time and cost for passengers from the Hunter and Northern NSW. 

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the launch of the Hobart route continues the airport’s momentum as it grows into a national and international hub.  “Today’s inaugural flight to Hobart strengthens our region’s access to the places that matter,” Mr Horton said. “The direct connection to Hobart is a key destination and we thank Jetstar’s continued confidence in our region. We also thank our government partners, tourism bodies and community advocates who helped make this route a reality.” 

Newcastle Airport Executive General Manager Airlines and Governance, Andrew Warrender, said the new service is the result of strong airline partnerships and data-led route development. “This is the first time Newcastle and Hobart have ever been connected by air and we’re proud to help make this route a reality in collaboration with Jetstar,” Mr Warrender said. “The Hunter has a strong appetite for more travel options and the first flight today demonstrates how this strong demand and working closely with our airline partners are delivering results. “We’re excited to see this new connection take off and we’ll continue to pursue more direct routes that make sense for both passengers and the broader visitor economy.” 

The inaugural service builds on a wave of recent growth for Newcastle Airport, following the completion of the international terminal and successful launch of direct services to Perth, Bali and more recently Singapore via Bali. The airport has an ambitious five-year new route plan to unlock even greater capacity and future long-haul international travel. 

Mayor of Port Stephens and Newcastle Airport Director, Cr Leah Anderson, said the launch of the Hobart route is an exciting step forward for Port Stephens and the wider Hunter region.  “This new service is a win for local residents and our visitor economy alike,” Cr Anderson said. “I’m travelling on the very first flight today and it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride and excitement. For people across Port Stephens, the Hunter and the Central Coast, flying direct from Newcastle means no more early starts, long drives or layovers to reach Tasmania.” 

“It’s also an incredible opportunity to welcome more Tasmanians to our region and we are ready to showcase everything Port Stephens and the Hunter have to offer. Hobart’s full of discoveries too and I’m looking forward to finding local gems, great food and places worth a wander.” 

As part of the Hobart route announcement, Newcastle Airport is proud to be sponsoring a Tasmanian Devil through conservation organisation Aussie Ark. The sponsored devil, aptly named Newy, represents the airport’s commitment to meaningful connection between destinations and the environments and communities they’re part of. 

Aussie Ark Chief Operations Officer Amanda Woodbine said the partnership with Newcastle Airport demonstrates how organisations can meaningfully support both wildlife and regional communities.   

“Since the partnership began, Newy has settled in well at our Barrington Tops sanctuary and is thriving,” Ms Woodbine said. “By supporting native species like the Tasmanian Devil, Newcastle Airport is celebrating their new flights to Hobart in a meaningful way and we’re proud to have them on board as a supporter.” 

Once fully grown and independent, Newy and his brother Rumble will join Aussie Ark’s breeding and rewilding program with both brothers expected to become first-time dads in the 2027 breeding season, helping secure a future for their iconic species. Among those on board the inaugural flight are local travellers Julie and her husband Craig, from Warners Bay who won a Hobart getaway valued at over $4,500 through Newcastle Airport’s recent competition with Tourism Tasmania and HUNTERhunter. 

“We were absolutely blown away to win,” Julie said. “This is our first time visiting Tasmania and to be on the first flight from Newcastle is incredible. We originally booked to go for our honeymoon but Covid got in the way so we had to cancel the whole trip making this win even more special for us.” 

To celebrate the inaugural flight, Jetstar has launched a 24-hour sale with one-way fares starting from $59 via jetstar.com.* Other Newcastle routes featured in the sale include Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Bali. 

The service also supports broader tourism and economic goals outlined in the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy, which aims to increase domestic aviation capacity across the state. 

The Hobart route brings Newcastle Airport’s destination total to 12, with over 250 weekly flights now connecting the region to key interstate and international hubs.  

Devils, discoveries and direct flights: Newcastle to Hobart takes off from today

Devils, discoveries and direct flights: Newcastle to Hobart takes off from today

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Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:  “Tasmanians now have a direct flight to Newcastle, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the Hunter and Port Stephens this season. “This new route is part of our push to add aviation capacity across the state as we strive to reach $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035, a goal that will require 8.5 million new airline seats across NSW. 

“We look forward to continuing our work with airports and airlines across NSW to stimulate aviation investment through funds such as the Aviation Attraction Fund, the NSW Take Off Fund, and the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund.” 

Jetstar Executive Manager Commercial, Lyle Brownscombe said: “Jetstar is proud to be making history in the Hunter. This is the first time Newcastle and Hobart have ever been connected by air and we’re thrilled to be making this route a reality.  Hunter residents can now reach Tasmania’s wilderness, food and wine experiences without the hassle of connecting through other cities - saving time and money.  This service will also boost tourism across Newcastle and the Hunter, allowing more people than ever to experience this region’s stunning beaches and world-class wineries. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the New South Wales and Tasmanian governments as well as Newcastle and Hobart airports for their strong support of low fares travel and tourism.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said: “This is fantastic news for Newcastle and the Hunter. For the first time, Tasmanians will have a direct link into the heart of our region, opening the door to everything we have to offer. This seasonal service will bring more visitors to our restaurants, wineries, beaches and events, supporting local businesses and creating jobs right across the Hunter. There’s no better time to swap a Tasmanian Tempranillo for a Hunter Region Riesling than this summer.Through the Aviation Attraction Fund we’re connecting communities, boosting tourism and building a stronger regional economy.” 

Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said: “This is fantastic news! Hobart is now another destination added to the ever-expanding list of places Newcastle Airport can now fly to. More choice for local families and another great travel destination now within easy reach.” 

Hobart Airport COO Matt Cocker said: “The new direct flight to Newcastle unlocks the largest population area in Australia that we weren’t flying directly to previously.Travellers can save time and money by flying direct between Hobart and Newcastle, rather than via Sydney, and that’s going to really appeal to a lot of holiday-makers.” 

Director Access and Aviation at Tourism Tasmania Steve Farquer said: "On behalf of Tourism Tasmania, we are ready and excited to welcome travellers to Come Down For Air on this direct route into Hobart. From epic wilderness walks, pristine beaches, and iconic museums, to some of the world’s best vineyards and distilleries, Tasmania offers drawcard experiences unlike anywhere else.”