Newcastle Airport: Hunter Region gains global gateway as first Singapore flight takes off from Newcastle today

For the first time, travellers across the Hunter region will depart their local airport bound for Singapore, with the inaugural Jetstar flight taking off from Newcastle Airport at 9:40am today. 

Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the new route to Singapore via Bali marks a significant step forward for Newcastle Airport and the economic future of the regions it serves.  

“It connects travellers across the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast to Singapore Changi Airport and its global network of more than 170 destinations, opening new pathways for tourism, trade and investment,” Ms Martin-Williams said.  

“At Newcastle Airport, we made a deliberate decision to invest in international capability because we believed our region would respond and it has. In less than a year of strong demand for our Bali service, we are now seeing that confidence translate into expanded connectivity through to Singapore.  

“This route strengthens our region’s ability to attract visitors, support local businesses and create jobs; both at the airport and across the broader visitor economy. It also sends a clear signal to international airlines that the Hunter is a growing, globally connected market.

Strong performance on these services brings us closer to securing a direct Singapore route and even greater opportunities for our region.”  

The popularity of Newcastle Airport’s direct flights to Bali saw the service increase from three to four times per week, with all four weekly Jetstar flights continuing on to Singapore via a 90-minute connection in Denpasar. Jetstar now operates direct services between Newcastle and Bali (JQ88) on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.  

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said  he was proud that local travellers now have a faster and more convenient way to reach Singapore and connect to destinations across Asia, Europe and beyond without needing to travel to Sydney.  

“They say if you build it, they will come; at Newcastle Airport we built an international airport and today the Hunter region is flying to both Bali and Singapore, with more opportunities on the horizon,” Mr Horton said.  

“The Hunter is a region of travellers, with more than 789,000 passengers travelling between our region and Europe, the Middle East and Asia last financial year alone, enough to fill 60 Singapore Airlines A350 aircraft every week.  

“These travellers are already flying through other airports, so imagine how many more holidays, business trips and family reunions will be created when those journeys can begin right here in Newcastle with direct connections.”  

Mayor of Port Stephens and Newcastle Airport Director Leah Anderson said the new service would deliver significant benefits for tourism, business and regional investment.  

“For Port Stephens and the wider Hunter region, Newcastle Airport is a critical gateway that supports local jobs, tourism and economic growth,” Cr Anderson said.  

“Singapore is one of the world’s most important aviation hubs and this new connection significantly strengthens our ability to attract international visitors to our region.  

“Improved international access makes it easier for global travellers to experience everything our region has to offer. While Newcastle and Port Stephens are known for their beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle, there is so much more for visitors to discover and we look forward to sharing our region with the world.  

“We know how remarkable our region is. Vibrant, beautiful and economically strong. This flight gives our community a direct connection to the world and places the Hunter firmly on the global map. It’s how our region will meet the world and how the world will discover the Hunter.”  

Cr Anderson will travel on the inaugural service to Singapore today, where she will meet with key contacts and strengthen relationships ahead of Newcastle Airport’s Hunter Trade Mission planned for September.  

“Building these connections now will help position our region to attract future tourism, investment and trade opportunities,” she said. 

Welcoming the inaugural flight’s arrival in Singapore today, Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development Mr Lim Ching Kiat, said we are delighted to add Jetstar Airways’ direct service from Newcastle to Changi Airport.  

“This new service will make it easier for Singaporeans to visit the attractions in the Newcastle area, including its scenic beaches and Hunter Valley wineries,” he said. “For residents in the Newcastle region, the new service makes it more convenient to visit Singapore and use Changi Airport as your gateway to Asia and Europe.”  

“Changi Airport is the most connected international airport to Australia in terms of number of flights and destinations. With Jetstar’s new service to Newcastle, Changi Airport is now connected to nine Australian cities. We look forward to working closely with Jetstar Airways, Newcastle Airport and New South Wales’ travel partners to grow this route.”  

Visit www.newcastleairport.com.au and book your Bali or Singapore escape, straight from Newcastle.   

A range of affordable and convenient parking options are also available with a Mystery Car Park offer of eight days from $88. Car park bookings made between now and the end of May 2026 will see you automatically go into the draw to win one of two $5,000 travel vouchers.    

Minister for Jobs and Tourism The Hon. Steve Kamper MP said:  

“I’m thrilled the new route connecting Singapore to Newcastle via Bali is now open – this is an exciting milestone not only for Newcastle Airport, but also the people of Newcastle and the local visitor economy.  

“This opens the region up to travellers connecting from Singapore-Changi Airport’s global network of flights from over 200 destinations. Travellers from Singapore and beyond now have near-direct access to all the amazing experiences Newcastle, the Hunter and Mid North Coast have to offer.  

“The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, is proud to have worked with Jetstar and Newcastle Airport to get to this moment. To achieve our goal of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035 we have set a target of 8.5 million new airline seats, and this is another significant step in that direction.”  

Jetstar Head of Network, Fleet Strategy and Planning Ted Knight said:  

“We’re thrilled to be launching this new service from Newcastle as we continue to grow Jetstar’s network. There’s strong demand in the Hunter for more low fares and more choice, and this route delivers exactly that.

“With a smooth connection through Denpasar, customers can now travel from Newcastle to Singapore, giving them even more great value options to explore new destinations. By keeping fares low and expanding our network, we’re creating more opportunities for people to take off more, for less.”  

Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson MP said: 

"This is a landmark day for the Hunter. For the first time, people across our region can step onto a flight at Newcastle and connect directly into one of the world’s great global hubs. 

"I’m proud to have played a role in helping deliver the Newcastle international airport. The new Singapore connection from Newcastle Airport to the rest of the world has always been what our region deserves.   

"Importantly, this means thousands of travellers no longer need to make the trip to Sydney to access international connections. That’s more time at home, less time on the road, and a stronger case for investing right here in our region."  

Minister for the Hunter, The Hon. Yasmin Catley MP said: 

"This milestone reflects the energy and ambition now driving the Hunter, where global connections are beginning to match the region’s economic strength.   

“It gives local industries, tourism operators and communities a powerful new springboard to grow, attract investment and welcome visitors who may never have considered Newcastle until now.”  

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington MP said:  

“Locals and visitors are loving our Newcastle Airport! The Minns Labor Government’s continued support means we can now soar to Singapore – turning our regional airport into the international gateway the Hunter deserves.”