Newcastle to Hobart, direct and done right thanks to Jetstar’s new summer service

Newcastle Airport is proud to announce another major win for regional connectivity with Jetstar launching direct seasonal flights between Newcastle and Hobart, connecting the two cities for the first time and making it easier than ever for Novocastrians to enjoy a Tassie escape.

Serviced by Jetstar’s Airbus A320, the new service will start on 2 December 2025 and run three times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, right through to 21 April 2026, giving locals plenty of chances to head south for business or to visit family and friends. The seasonal flights will return each summer through to 2028.

This announcement follows a strong run of new route growth for Newcastle Airport, with direct services to Perth commencing 8 September and Bali flights launching 21 October. It also marks a key milestone in the airport’s future-facing strategy, arriving just days after the official opening of its new international terminal which greatly expands domestic capacity and sets the stage for future long-haul connections.

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the Hobart route is the latest example of Newcastle Airport enabling more travel choice, supporting the local economy and opening up new opportunities for the region. “Newcastle is one of Australia’s fastest-growing centres with the Hunter Region holding its own on a global stage and we are proud to connect people to the places that matter to them,” Mr Horton said.

“Being directly connected to Tasmania’s capital is a big deal for both communities. Our region wants to travel and deserves to have these important connections available to them.”

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 COO, Amanda Woodbine said Newy the Tasmanian Devil represents hope for the future of our native wildlife and with Newcastle Airport’s support, we’re not only protecting this endangered species, but also reminding travellers of the incredible animals that make Australia so special.”

People can visit Newy at Aussie Ark’s conservation facility in the Barrington Tops.

Mr Horton said sponsoring Newy the Tassie Devil is a small but genuine step in supporting wildlife conservation as the airport continues to grow and supports the airport’s strong sustainability ethos.

Mayor of Port Stephens (and Newcastle Airport Director) Cr. Leah Anderson said being able to fly direct to Hobart is a fantastic win for the Hunter Region and for Port Stephens. “Our residents now have easier access to Tasmania and the door is open for more visitors to fly into our region, explore our coastline and support our tourism businesses." Cr. Anderson said.

“Newcastle Airport is right on our doorstep and this new connection makes getting here, or getting away, even easier.  We want Newcastle Airport to be the first choice for every traveller from Port Stephens, the Hunter, Central Coast, Northern NSW and even Northern Sydney,”

“Tasmania has so much to offer. I’m on my way back from Hobart right now and I’m genuinely excited that from December we’ll be able to fly direct as it will make travelling between our regions so much easier.”

With Newcastle Airport now offering direct flights to 12 destinations, over 250 weekly flights, and a catchment of 1.4 million residents, this new route further strengthens the airport’s role as an important gateway to the Hunter and NSW.

Whether you’re off to MONA, Salamanca Markets or Cradle Mountain, you can now do it direct from the airport that’s just up the road.

Visit www.newcastleairport.com.au for flight information. To celebrate the new route, Jetstar is offering a 24 hour sale from 11:00am with fares starting from $59* one-way via jetstar.com. 

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Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:  
“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Newcastle Airport and Jetstar to secure this new seasonal route, which will boost the local visitor economy and better link Tasmanians to Newcastle and the Hunter.

“The recently launched Visitor Economy Strategy sets out our vision to grow the NSW visitor economy to $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035 and increasing domestic aviation capacity will be instrumental in achieving this.

“The strategy outlines a need to add 8.5 million new airline seats to NSW airports to achieve our ambitions for the visitor economy and this new route from Hobart to Newcastle brings us one step closer to that.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
“Tassie here we come! This is devilishly good news for the people of Port Stephens and the Hunter.

“Not only can locals jump on a Jetstar flight direct to Hobart, we’ll be welcoming Tasmanians to the Hunter too.

“The NSW Government’s investment in Newcastle Airport will mean more people can experience everything Port Stephens and the Hunter has to offer, bringing a welcome boost to local businesses.”

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said:  
“Jetstar’s new route will provide a major tourism boost across Hobart and the Hunter.  

“The Qantas Group already carries more tourists into Hobart and Newcastle than any other airline – and arrivals are set to soar yet again.

“Starting in December, Jetstar’s new direct seasonal service between these two cities will create another 22,000 low-cost seats a year, further strengthening inbound tourism.

“We want to thank the Tasmanian and New South Wales governments and Hobart and Newcastle airports for their strong support of the new route.”

Hobart Airport COO Matt Cocker said:
“The Airport’s team was proud to have worked hard to help secure the additional flights for Tasmania.

“The new direct flights to Newcastle unlock the largest population area in Australia that we’re not yet flying to directly from Hobart Airport.

“This is great news for Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality businesses, with well over one million new potential travellers across the Newcastle Hunter region.

“Having the chance to travel direct between Hobart and Newcastle, rather than via Sydney, will save travellers time and money.”