Media release from Newcastle Airport

Within weeks of Newcastle Airport’s inaugural flight to Bali, Jetstar has responded to exceptionally high demand from across the Hunter region by adding a fourth weekly service to the route and enabling travellers to continue through to Singapore, creating a new international gateway for the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast.

From 29 March 2026, Jetstar will operate direct services between Newcastle and Bali (JQ88) on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with all four weekly Jetstar flights to continue on to Singapore, via a 90-minute stop in Denpasar.

This new schedule will take Newcastle Airport to 96,512 seats annually on the Bali route, unlocking an additional 24,000 low fare connections.


Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the rapid expansion of the Bali route demonstrated growing confidence in the region’s international market. “This is now the cheapest and easiest way to get to Singapore from Newcastle and we’re proud to see our international network grow so quickly off the back of strong regional demand,” Mr Horton said.

“The addition of a fourth weekly Bali flight gives travellers more flexibility to reach Bali and introduces a one-stop, same-plane connection to Singapore, opening the door to destinations across the globe.

“This new Singapore connection shows Jetstar’s belief in our region’s potential and the success of our partnership with Destination NSW and Aviation Attraction Funding. It means more low fares, more flexibility and faster access to Asia, saving passengers time without the need to travel to Sydney.”

Singapore Changi Airport is one of the largest connecting airports in the world, with access to over 170 destinations across close to 50 countries, providing a global gateway for the region.

Mr Horton said the success of the Bali route and the new connection to Singapore is proof that if you build it, they will come. “Our community has been eager to embrace international travel now that our terminal has been completed and airlines are clearly responding to that demand,” Mr Horton said.

“There’s real excitement across the region to experience our new international terminal and everything it makes possible. We continue to work on more destinations for our region and are having positive conversations in that area.

“We are getting people to where they want to go while giving them the gift of time, spending less time commuting and enjoying more time where it matters.”

The flights to Singapore via Bali are expected to attract both leisure travellers and business passengers, offering a reliable and efficient new route into Southeast Asia.

The service will also provide new opportunities for tourism businesses in the region, with Singaporean travellers now able to join Indonesian travellers with direct access to the Hunter and beyond.

Mayor of Port Stephens and Newcastle Airport Director, Leah Anderson welcomed the announcement as a strong vote of confidence in both the airport and the local economy. “This is fantastic news for Port Stephens, which already benefits significantly from its proximity to Newcastle Airport,” Ms Anderson said.

“An international connection to Singapore strengthens our region’s appeal as a destination for global visitors and boosts the potential for local tourism operators, accommodation providers and businesses to tap into new markets.

“I’m also seriously tempted to book a long weekend myself, flying out Friday morning, enjoying a few days in Singapore and back home Tuesday morning. It’s just so convenient.”

Jetstar Head of Network, Fleet Strategy and Planning, Ted Knight, said we’ve seen incredible demand for our Newcastle-Bali flights since the launch, so it’s great to be adding a fourth weekly service.

“This extra flight gives Hunter locals even more flexibility and 24,000 more low fare seats a year to one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots,” Mr Knight said.

“Now, with a smooth connection through Denpasar, they can explore Singapore and beyond, too. With less than two hours between flights, customers can leave Newcastle in the morning and be dining in Singapore by the evening.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
“This is Newcastle’s first international route outside Australasia, and we thrilled that demand has been so strong that Jetstar are adding a fourth weekly service. The extra service will bring more visitors into Newcastle and the Hunter, boosting the local visitor economy.

“The Minns Labor Government, through Destination NSW, is proud to have worked with Jetstar and Newcastle Airport to achieve this extra capacity as we work towards our goal of 8.5 million new airline seats to achieve $91 billion in visitor expenditure for NSW by 2035.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“Newcastle Airport is taking the Hunter to the world, and that’s a trip the Minns Labor Government is backing. This boost will drive visitors, support local jobs and keep our region growing strong.

“This new link to Singapore is a real leap forward for locals in the Hunter and along our coast. It gives people easier access to Asia, more flexibility and the kind of global connectivity a region of our scale genuinely deserves.

“But the momentum won’t stop here. The Hunter is ready to take on even bigger opportunities, and I’ll keep working to open more doors for our communities and our economy.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
“Newcastle Airport is flying high! With more flights to Bali and a second stop in Singapore, the people of Port Stephens and the Hunter will be more connected to the world than ever before.

“Now locals can literally jump on a plane in Newy and get off in Singapore - the NSW Government’s investment in Newcastle Airport is clearly paying dividends for locals.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said:
“The introduction of a seamless connection from Newcastle to Singapore via Bali is a great outcome for our community – making it easier for Hunter locals to travel internationally while also creating new opportunities to attract visitors, boost tourism, and support local jobs.

“This announcement reflects the confidence airlines have in our region’s potential and the ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, grow our economy, and showcase everything the Hunter has to offer.”

City of Newcastle Councillor and Newcastle Airport Director Cr. Callum Pull said:
“We’re going to Singapore! This will be welcome news to the many residents who use Newcastle Airport who’ve been asking for a Singapore route, and a massive vote of confidence in our airport and our region.

“A route to Singapore will unlock over 170 international destinations – bringing the world to our doorstep.”