The NSW visitor economy has landed two new airline routes from Singapore that will boost visitation to Western Sydney and the Hunter.
Western Sydney International Airport's inaugural international tickets are now on sale with Singapore Airlines, while a new Jetstar route between Singapore and Newcastle via Bali has taken off for the first time.
Singapore is a top 10 international visitor market for NSW. There were 107,500 Singaporean visitors to the state in the year ending September 2025, who contributed $236 million into the NSW visitor economy.
Inaugural international tickets for WSI
Tickets were made available for sale this morning via Singapore Airline’s distribution channels for flights to WSI.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said: “We mark a terrific milestone moment today with our first international airline partner, Skytrax certified 5-Star carrier Singapore Airlines, now giving passengers the first opportunity to book tickets to Western Sydney International Airport.
“Not only will WSI increase aviation capacity in the Sydney basin, giving travelling more choice and flexibility on when, where and how they choose to fly – our 24-hour services will unlock new routes with Singapore Airlines for everyone across Greater Sydney to enjoy."
Singapore Airlines’ inaugural service will be a daily, non-stop flight between Singapore and WSI, beginning on 23 November 2026.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: "This new offering is going to provide the world with direct access to one of the nation’s fastest growing visitor economies and we look forward to welcoming the first international visitors into Western Sydney.
"The NSW Government’s investments are helping to realise the enormous potential of our state’s visitor economy and this is an important milestone towards achieving our ambitious goal of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035.”
Learn more here.
The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) said it was a major milestone for the state’s visitor economy and the continued emergence of Western Sydney as the city’s second CBD.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said: “This is truly an exciting moment for Western Sydney and for NSW visitor economy.
"The introduction of international flights from WSI will not only boost aviation capacity but fundamentally reshape how visitors access and experience our city.
“As Sydney’s first 24-hour airport, WSI will provide the flexibility needed to support future growth, opening the door to new routes, more choice for travellers, more freight and stronger global connections.
“Western Sydney is rapidly evolving into a major hub, and this new global gateway will accelerate that transformation, bringing jobs, an improved transport corridor, accommodation investment and new tourism experiences.”
Connecting the Hunter to the world
Supported by the NSW Government through the Aviation Attraction Fund, a new Jetstar route between Singapore and Newcastle via Bali has taken off for the first time.
Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the new route marked a significant step forward for Newcastle Airport and the economic future of the regions it serves.
“This route strengthens our region’s ability to attract visitors, support local businesses and create jobs; both at the airport and across the broader visitor economy," Ms Martin-Williams said.
"It also sends a clear signal to international airlines that the Hunter is a growing, globally connected market. Strong performance on these services brings us closer to securing a direct Singapore route and even greater opportunities for our region.”
Mayor of Port Stephens and Newcastle Airport Director Leah Anderson said: “Singapore is one of the world’s most important aviation hubs and this new connection significantly strengthens our ability to attract international visitors to our region.
“Improved international access makes it easier for global travellers to experience everything our region has to offer. While Newcastle and Port Stephens are known for their beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle, there is so much more for visitors to discover and we look forward to sharing our region with the world."
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “I’m thrilled the new route connecting Singapore to Newcastle via Bali is now open – this is an exciting milestone not only for Newcastle Airport, but also the people of Newcastle and the local visitor economy.
“This opens the region up to travellers connecting from Singapore-Changi Airport’s global network of flights from over 200 destinations. Travellers from Singapore and beyond now have near-direct access to all the amazing experiences Newcastle, the Hunter and Mid North Coast have to offer.
“The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, is proud to have worked with Jetstar and Newcastle Airport to get to this moment. To achieve our goal of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035 we have set a target of 8.5 million new airline seats, and this is another significant step in that direction.”
Learn more here.
Unlocking international business event growth
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) said tickets being on sale for daily, direct flights with Singapore Airlines marked Western Sydney’s emergence as a new international gateway for Australia.
For the business events sector, BESydney said Singapore Airlines’ services at WSI provides greater certainty and confidence in Sydney’s future international air access — a critical factor when bidding for and planning major global conferences several years in advance.
BESydney CEO Amanda Lampe said: “Improved international air connectivity into Western Sydney is a significant enabler for the region’s visitor economy growth and global engagement. Singapore Airlines’ announcement reinforces Western Sydney International Airport’s role as a new international gateway, strengthening access to Sydney for business events, visitors and investment from key global markets.
"For the business events sector, direct connections into Western Sydney will start to unlock new opportunities for conferences, corporate meetings and incentives, while supporting the region’s emerging precincts, jobs and visitor economy.
"This is an important step in building Western Sydney’s position as a competitive and compelling destination for international business events.”
Learn more here.
