Newcastle Airport’s first-ever direct flights to Perth this Monday

Join Newcastle Airport, representatives from Qantas and leaders from the Hunter region this Monday, 8 September to mark Newcastle Airport’s inaugural direct flight to Perth.

This long-awaited route for the region opens a critical westward corridor connecting the Hunter directly to WA’s booming resources sector and providing a gateway to global cities like London, Rome and Johannesburg via one-stop connections.

WHEN: Monday, 8 September 2025 

12:50pm: 
•    QF1669 Newcastle to Perth check-in opens 
•    Passenger engagement with Quokka mascot and giveaways 
1:30pm: 
•    First flight arrives from Perth – lands in Newcastle. 
•    A welcome water canon will be honouring this first arrival (a first for Newcastle Airport.) 
1:40pm:  
•    Aviation tradition – cutting of the first flight cake (a time honoured aviation tradition) with remarks. 
•    Media Call (Departures, Gate 3) 
o    Newcastle Airport EGM Airlines & Governance Andrew Warrender 
o    Port Stephens Mayor (and Newcastle Airport Director) Leah Anderson  
o    Qantas Chief Operating Officer Network Aviation and Regional General Manager, Trevor Worgan 
o    Group photo on tarmac (To go on the tarmac, media will need to pre register at: https://www.arins.com.au/visitor_form/airport=NTL and bring photo ID on the day.)
2:00pm: 
•    QF1669 Newcastle to Perth Boarding begins 
•    We will have Sunny the Quokka and passenger giveaways 
2:20pm: 
•    First flight departs Newcastle for Perth (Departures, Gate 3) 

WHERE: Departures, Newcastle Airport, Williamtown NSW 

*Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton will also be available for interviews. As will Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes and Committee for the Hunter Director, Rod Henderson.

*Media are requested to park in short stay car parking lot. A representative of Newcastle Airport will meet you upon arrival outside Departures.