The NSW Government will invest $12.5 million as part of the 2025–26 Budget to create the NSW Take Off Fund to secure more flights and grow the visitor economy across the state.

The NSW Take Off Fund will support NSW’s efforts to boost airline seat capacity by 8.5 million seats over the coming years, ensuring the state remains competitive in the global race for air routes and visitor markets.

The funding will provide financial and marketing support to international and domestic routes that commit to launching new or additional services into NSW.

This announcement is the latest in a series of targeted aviation initiatives that have already delivered major wins for the state, creating more than 25,000 jobs of which 15,000 were direct jobs.

Through previous initiatives including the Aviation Attraction Fund and the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, the Minns Labor Government’s strategic aviation investments are delivering results across all three of NSW’s international gateways — Sydney, Western Sydney and Newcastle.

Sydney Airport has locked in new routes to major aviation hubs in Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and Shanghai (Juneyao Air), and boosted capacity on routes to India, South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) just last month confirmed Air New Zealand will run flights to Auckland from mid-2027, joining Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Jetstar as early airline partners, and supporting WSI’s goal of reaching 10 million annual passengers.

Newcastle Airport has secured new routes to Perth (Qantas) and Denpasar (Jetstar) ahead of its new international terminal opening later this year.

More information including the criteria for the fund and opening date information will be released in the coming weeks.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“This is how we grow our visitor economy — by increasing airline capacity and unlocking new international markets for NSW.

“The NSW Take Off Fund builds on the wins we’ve already delivered. In the last year alone, we’ve helped secure new routes from Auckland to Western Sydney, from Denpasar to Newcastle, and from Istanbul and Shanghai to Sydney.

“More seats mean more visitors, and that means a stronger tourism sector, stronger regions and more jobs. This fund will ensure NSW remains a top destination for travellers and a top partner for airlines around the world.”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said:

"This new round of aviation funding will help unlock flight capacity and welcome more international visitors to Australia’s premier gateway.

“I congratulate the Minns NSW Government and Destination NSW for their vision and commitment to supporting aviation, which is fundamental to achieving the ambitious goals of the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy.

“Aviation is a cornerstone of Sydney and NSW’s prosperity. Every dollar invested into aviation attraction at Sydney Airport generates a $9 return, with a typical international service supporting 1,200 full time jobs and delivering $130 million in annual economic benefit.

“We look forward to working with Destination NSW and new and existing airline partners to further elevate Sydney as Australia’s leading international tourism destination.”

Western Sydney International airport CEO Simon Hickey said:

“We’re talking to more and more airlines each week that recognise the benefits of flying into Sydney’s new 24-hour international gateway when we open next year.

“This investment from the government will strengthen those discussions and help bring greater connectivity for Australia’s global city, which means more choice for travellers and a more vibrant tourism economy, creating growth and terrific job opportunities across the industry.”

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said:

“The NSW Take Off Fund demonstrates the NSW Government’s continued commitment to growing aviation capacity across the state and we welcome its potential to support important regional gateways like the Hunter.

“With our international terminal fully operational from August, we are working closely with Destination NSW to deliver on our promise to be the airport our region deserves and secure new international services that will boost visitation and deliver lasting benefits to the Hunter region and beyond.”