Media release from Ministers Catley, Kamper and Washington.

For the first time in its history, Newcastle Airport will welcome an ongoing international service outside Australasia, connecting the Hunter region directly to Asia with links to the world.

Backed by the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund, the new service marks a transformational leap forward for Newcastle Airport, which is preparing to open its brand-new international terminal later this year.

Once complete, the expanded terminal will unlock major opportunities for the region, welcoming more visitors and turbocharging local tourism and trade.

On 21 October 2025, Jetstar will launch a direct route between Newcastle and Denpasar (Bali), putting Newcastle firmly on the map for international travellers and airline networks alike – Denpasar is a major international aviation hub offering connections to over 40 countries.

With three flights a week between Newcastle and Denpasar, this direct connection also means easier getaways for Novocastrians and regional NSW, giving them access from the heart of the Hunter to one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.

The announcement is part of the NSW Government’s broader strategy to grow the state’s aviation capacity drive growth in our international visitor economy. It follows recent international flight wins for Sydney Airport, including new services from Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and Shanghai (Juneyao Air), also secured through the Aviation Attraction Fund.

Managed by Destination NSW on behalf of the NSW Government, the Aviation Attraction Fund offered financial incentives and marketing support to assist NSW airports to secure routes and increase aviation capacity to the state. Applications for the fund were open between February 2022 and June 2023.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a game changer for the Hunter. We're not just opening the door to Bali - we're opening our region up to the world.

“With more direct international flights, we're positioning the Hunter as a tourism Mecca. It's about making it easier for the people who live here to explore the world and for the world to discover everything we have here.

“The NSW Government is backing the Hunter with real investment that boosts our economy, improves connectivity and puts us firmly on the global map. This new link to Bali is just the beginning!”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Newcastle Airport and Jetstar to secure Newcastle’s first ever international route outside of Australasia, signalling the start of a new era of growth for Newcastle and the Hunter region.

“Not only will this strategic investment boost the capacity of Newcastle Airport, it will open the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast to a major South-East Asian transport hub and a wealth of opportunity.

“The first ongoing international flight for Newcastle Airport is a significant moment for the region’s visitor economy – and we’re only just getting started.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“This is awesome news for the people of Port Stephens and the Hunter – our new international airport is taking off!

“Port Stephens will be connected to the world like never before, locals can jump on a Jetstar flight direct to Bali and more people can visit us in return.”

“The NSW Government has made a smart and strategic investment in Newcastle Airport and the Hunter, so more visitors from around the world can experience everything Port Stephens and the Hunter has to offer.

“This is the news we’ve all been waiting for! It’s just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our region.”

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said:

“This route reflects what’s possible when industry and government work together to back regional growth. We thank the NSW Government for their partnership in making this international connection a reality for the Hunter region and the Federal Government for supporting the build of our international terminal.

“We’re proud to be delivering what our (Hunter) region has long asked for… direct international flights from their local airport. This achievement shows what the Hunter is capable of when we aim high. Bali is one of Australia’s most loved destinations and is the first of many exciting destinations we will deliver.”

Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully said:

“The new international route is an exciting milestone as Jetstar continues to significantly expand its network.

“We're thrilled to be the airline to launch Newcastle’s first international flights in more than five years with our new direct service from Newcastle to Bali.

Jetstar is committed to making travel more accessible, and people living in and around Newcastle will no longer need to drive to other airports to fly overseas, which means more time and money can go toward their holiday.

“We want to thank Newcastle Airport and the NSW Government for their support in making travel more accessible.”