Newcastle Airport: Hobart takes off earlier with more seats for summer

Newcastle Airport and Jetstar are opening up the Apple Isle even further for Hunter travellers with the immensely popular Newcastle - Hobart direct service returning for an extended second season with a significant 27% capacity increase on offer.

Following the route’s inaugural season, the seasonal service is returning from 27 October 2026 to 24 April 2027, starting more than a month earlier than its debut year and offering over 28,000 seats between the two cities.

The boost of 6,000 more seats is 27% more than its first season which shows just how great the demand is for the direct link between the Hunter and Tasmania.

The route will fly with Jetstar’s Airbus A320 and flights will continue to run three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, providing convenient direct access in both directions throughout the busy summer travel period.

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said this expanded season is a large vote of confidence for the route and the Hunter market. 

“This route made history was when it launched in December 2025 as the only direct air-flight service between Hobart and Newcastle, generating new inbound travel into the Hunter while giving locals direct access to another much-loved destination in Australia,” Mr Horton said.

The extended second season will now include more of the popular spring and summer travel period which falls through the buildup to Christmas, through to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and Easter holidays.

Mr Horton said the growth of the Hobart service and other key domestic and international routes, show the strong role Newcastle Airport can play in supporting the NSW visitor economy.

"We are a gateway in both directions, meaning it is easier for locals to explore further afield, whilst we attract visitors to our fantastic region. 

"Expanding a service such as our direct to Hobart flight is another cog in our bigger goal of building a more connected Hunter, so that travel, tourism and jobs are flourishing for our entire region."

Check website at www.newcastleairport.com.au.