Under the Minns Labor Government, the Aviation Attraction Fund will welcome direct flights from Perth to Newcastle for the first time, connecting the west coast capital with NSW’s second biggest city.
In September 2025, Qantas will launch a new route between Perth and Newcastle that will facilitate much easier travel between the coastal cities and provide a significant boost to both the Hunter and Mid-North Coast visitor and business economy.
Backed by the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF), the new service comes at a transformational time for Newcastle Airport, which is preparing to open its new terminal later this year. Once complete, the expanded terminal will unlock opportunities for the region, welcoming more visitors and turbocharging local tourism and trade.
Along with the new Perth route, the upgraded terminal will allow for ongoing international flights into Newcastle for the first time. The NSW Government is working with Newcastle Airport to secure new international routes through the AAF.
The new route also links Newcastle to Perth Airport’s network of airlines and destinations, which currently includes direct daily flights from London Heathrow and Paris, and seasonal direct flights from Rome. Visitors from these destinations will soon be able to access one-stop trips to Newcastle.
With three flights a week between Newcastle and Perth, this direct connection also means easier getaways for residents of Newcastle and the Hunter and Mid-North Coast, giving them easier access to holidays, family and friends on the west coast.
The announcement is part of the NSW Government’s broader strategy to grow the state’s aviation capacity. It follows recent international flight wins for Sydney Airport, including new services from Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and Shanghai (Juneyao Air), also secured through the Destinations NSW managed Aviation Attraction Fund.
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
“We’re opening the door for more people to discover our beautiful region – while also giving Hunter locals greater access to everything Western Australia and the world has to offer.
“Whether it’s wine, beaches, food or events – we have so much to offer. More flights mean more tourism and that’s a win for local operators and the wider economy.
“This new connection is another step forward in making the Hunter not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live – and we’re excited to see where it leads.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this new route that will boost the region’s economy and unlock a new connection with Western Australia.
“This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle – Newcastle will soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres.
“These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast, and I look forward to working with Newcastle Airport to secure further new routes.”
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
“This is a game-changer for our region. Connecting Port Stephens and the Hunter directly to Perth opens up incredible opportunities for local tourism, business and jobs.”
“We’ve long known our region is worth visiting – now it’s easier than ever for people from across the country, and the world, to experience it for themselves.”
“With connecting flights from London, Paris and Rome now within reach, this is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we back our regions by investing in great local infrastructure.”
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said:
“This new route gives travellers direct access to both ends of the country and beyond. It’s a major win for the region’s global footprint helping us to be the airport our region deserves. It connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA’s resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and Fly In Fly Out operations. It also brings loved ones together and unlocks international one-stop connections via Perth to cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and seasonal to Rome.”
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said:
“QantasLink is proud to the first airline to offer a direct air link between Newcastle and Perth.
“These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth. We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today.
“We’d like to thank Newcastle Airport and the NSW Government for helping make the new route possible.”