Newcastle Airport has delivered a record year for the Hunter and regional NSW, with more than 1.3 million passengers travelling through the Airport as new domestic and international connections, major infrastructure investment and strong financial performance drove continued growth.
The Airport’s 2025–26 Annual Report shows that growth is translating into a stronger, more resilient airport, with continued investment in connectivity, infrastructure and the local community.
Key takeaways
- 1.3m+ passengers | New record | 10% growth
- $56.0m revenue | 20.7% growth
- $9.7m net profit | 273% growth
- $83k invested in community sponsorships | 17% increase
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said FY26 has been an extraordinary year for the airport and the region. “We opened our new international terminal, added new routes, progressed our property development, set a new passenger record and delivered a strong financial result,” Mr Horton said.
“We’ve invested in the airport’s growth to give people across the Hunter more routes, more choice and better connections to where they want to go with support from Destination NSW for route incentives.
“We have a clear plan for sustainable growth and we’ve also put forward an accelerated growth plan to the State Government that could help deliver the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035.
“A solid financial performance allows us to invest in growth while ensuring the airport remains financially sustainable over the long-term.”
Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the year’s achievements reflected a clear focus on strengthening the airport’s financial position while investing in the region’s future. “FY26 has been a significant year for Newcastle Airport,” Ms Martin-Williams said.
“We have delivered infrastructure for international connections, expanded our aviation network and strengthened and diversified our commercial portfolio.”
“These investments matter because of what they make possible, better connections for our communities, greater access to markets for business and more reasons for people to visit our region.”
Linc said there was significant opportunity ahead as Newcastle Airport looked to build on the momentum of FY26. “The opportunity in front of us is huge and we will continue to unlock new opportunities for our region,” Mr Horton said.
“For us, that means continuing to grow Newcastle Airport and giving people across the Hunter, Central Coast and Northern NSW more choice to travel where they want, when they want and at a reasonable price. We want to make travel easier and more convenient while staying true to who we are and the community we serve; connected, convenient and authentic.”
The full Newcastle Airport Annual Report is available at newcastleairport.com.au.
#ENDS#
FY26 at a glance
Record growth
- 1.3m+ passengers, a new record – 10% passenger growth
- 152,000 additional airline seats
- 14,345 commercial flights
New connections
- Direct to Bali, Perth and Hobart
- Singapore via Denpasar
Strong financial performance
- $56.0m revenue – 20.7% growth
- $9.7m net profit – 273% growth
- $88.5m capital investment
- Revenue up more than 20% from FY25
- Net profit up from $2.6m in FY25
Passenger experience
- New international terminal.
- More natural light through arrivals and departures
- New food and beverage concepts & expanded retail offering.
- Continued focus on safe, reliable operations and quality passenger service.
Sustainability
- Australian first: first airport terminal to achieve 5-Star Green Star Buildings ‘As Built’ certification under the new rating tool.
- Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+ Transition maintained for a second year demonstrating the Airport’s long-term commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future.
- Reduced waste to landfill through improved waste separation across the terminal.
Recognition
- Airport of the Year, 2026 Australian Aviation Awards, achieved in FY27
- Business of the Year, Business Hunter Awards
- Contribution to the Region, Business Hunter Awards
- Excellence in Sustainability, Business Hunter Awards
- Airport Excellence Award for Infrastructure, Australian Airports Association
- Airport Excellence Award for Sustainability, Australian Airports Association
Regional story
- More choice and connectivity for the Hunter, Central Coast and Northern NSW
- Supporting tourism, trade, investment and jobs.
- Commercial growth: Diversifying revenue while attracting investment, supporting jobs and creating long-term value for the region.
- Building a stronger, more diversified and resilient Airport
- Delivering the airport our region deserves.