In a defining moment for the Hunter, Newcastle Airport has  announced its first-ever direct flights to Perth, with QantasLink services launching from Monday, 8 September 2025, opening a new westward corridor for business, industry and regional development. 

 
The new QantasLink route will operate three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319, bringing 900 new weekly seats and over 45,000 annually to and from Western Australia. 

 
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the ‘direct to Perth’ service is a natural next step in the airport’s ongoing growth. “We’ve worked hard to secure this route because it’s one our community and extended region needs,” Mr Horton said. 

  
“The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA’s resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and Fly In Fly Out operations. 

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:  

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this new route that will boost the region’s economy and unlock a new connection with Western Australia.  

 
“This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle – Newcastle will soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres. 

 
“These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast, and I look forward to working with Newcastle Airport to secure further new routes.” 

 
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said: 

 
“QantasLink is proud to be the first airline to offer a direct air link between Newcastle and Perth.  

 
"These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth. We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today.  

   
"We’d like to thank Newcastle Airport and the NSW Government for helping make the new route possible.”    

 
Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove said:

 
“We are excited to welcome the introduction of Qantas’ new service between Newcastle Airport and Perth Airport.“ It will connect our two cities and will provide a convenient link for both business and leisure travellers.  

 
“Newcastle is our largest domestic market unserved by a non-stop flight and there is significant demand between the two cities. This new route is another example of Qantas Group's long-term commitment to growing its network into Western Australia. 

 
“The introduction of this new route will provide more opportunities for people to travel between Perth and Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region and also connect passengers from northern New South Wales to international flights from Perth to London, Paris, South Africa and more.  

 
“We look forward to working with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to further develop our partnership and explore opportunities that will further connect our two cities, boosting tourism and trade and supporting economic development.”