Newcastle Airport Breaks All-time Passenger Record

Newcastle Airport recorded its busiest financial year on record thanks to the regional community “Going Smarter” and travelling from their local hub.

Over 1, 272,634 million travellers passed through the Airport in Financial Year 2017/2018 (FY18), an increase of 15,500 people, year-on-year.

Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock, said the Airport is greatly encouraged by the support from the people of the Greater Hunter, Central Coast and beyond who are making Newcastle Airport their point A when flying both domestically and internationally.

“Increase in passenger demand is key to airlines providing increased services to our region, and we have all seen the impact of this. Airlines are starting new routes and putting more seats into our market. By choosing to Go Smarter and travel from Newcastle Airport, passengers are directly helping to secure more connectivity.

“Growth fuels growth, and during FY18 the Airport completed the construction of its international facilities, launched its landmark Go Smarter marketing campaign, and secured a new domestic route to Adelaide – the region’s number one unserved domestic market and the first new major city destination in 14 years. In July, we also announced the first international services in 16 years.”

Over the past 12 months, the team has engaged with, and listened to our community. They have worked hard to showcase the convenient flight options that are right here at Williamtown, and secure new routes.

In July 2017, Newcastle Airport launched the Go Smarter marketing campaign to highlight how easy, quick, smart, and – in many cases – more affordable it is to begin travel from Newcastle Airport. Flying from Newcastle Airport means you can enjoy fast check-in, increased parking options, and time to relax, rather than enduring the stress of travelling to down the M1 to Sydney.

Local airline FlyPelican commenced a direct service to Adelaide in March, and recently adjusted the schedule to provide better connectivity and weekend itineraries for passengers.

In November, Virgin Australia will service a seasonal route to Auckland between 22 November 2018 and 17 February 2019.

Newcastle Airport is serviced by five airlines connecting to nine direct domestic destinations and as of 22 November internationally to Auckland, New Zealand.

“We will not stop here, we will continue to advocate and work with our airline partners to secure the services our region so passionately seeks. That is our promise in delivering the Airport the region deserves,” stated Peter.

Total FY Passengers (Arrivals/Departures)
FY15 - 1,143,840
FY16 - 1,179,630
FY17 - 1,257,120
FY18 - 1,272,634