Minister King's Visit to Newcastle Airport Provides Latest Updates on International Terminal Construction Project

The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development of Australia was at Newcastle Airport today for a tour of the terminal expansion construction site. 

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the transformative construction project is a critical part of delivering the airport the region deserves.

“Aviation is a catalyst to our economy's growth and our region’s transition."

“Newcastle Airport is committed to growing the airport the region deserves and the airport our region deserves is one that supports industry, enables greater trade, helps create jobs well beyond tourism and is a vibrant part of the Hunter.” 

“I would like to thank the Federal government for their support to develop aviation infrastructure ($55M Terminal, $66 Airfield) enabling our community's economic growth and transition,” Dr Cock said.

The Minister’s visit marks six-months since the project began with several key construction milestones on track to achieve the Airport’s international ambitions. 

The demolition of the old terminal building is complete, columns to support the new border agency are in, work on lift pits and underground baggage handling tunnels are underway, and just last week a massive concrete slab was poured. 

In addition, construction of a new electrical substation is underway which will allow the solar panels on the Premium Covered car park to be connected later in the year and ultimately power up to 30% of Airport’s electricity.

“The people of our region are passionately behind our airport and connecting the Hunter to the rest of the world,” Dr Cock added.

“They continue to fly from Newcastle Airport to connect to our 13 direct destinations and onto 65 destinations around the world. We know that the more community support we receive, the closer we get to securing our next international fights.” 

“I want to sincerely thank our local member, Meryl Swanson, for her tireless efforts in advocating for our airport, together with our two shareholders Port Stephens Council and City of Newcastle, and finally our banking partner Commonwealth Bank for their ongoing support.”

Key Facts

• The Terminal has been designed by Cox Architects.
• Construction Control was awarded the managing contract in April 2023.
• The Newcastle Airport Terminal Expansion is expected to be completed early 2025. 
• The Federal Government is contributing $55 million in funding for the terminal expansion project. 
• The Airport is currently undergoing a $250 million redevelopment, including upgrades to the terminal building and runway, new Premium Covered car park, relocation of the Short Stay car park and road works on Williamtown Drive. 
• The new terminal building has been designed to achieve a 5 star green star rating.
• The project is anticipated to create more than 500 construction jobs throughout its life and will provide long-term benefits for the region.
• The terminal and runway upgrade in total will create 4,410 jobs throughout the airport precinct after construction.
• Over the next 20 years, the upgrade and expansion of the runway and terminal will strengthen the region with approximately $12.7 billion in economic activity.