Jake Nelson

The runway, which according to WSI will be able to serve 10 million passengers per year at its opening in 2026, is rated for up to Code F aircraft including the 747-8 and A380. It has been under construction since bulk earthworks contracts were awarded in 2019.

The private equity firm is looking to raise $685 million in the IPO, which will reduce its holding in the airline to 40 per cent, as reported in the Australian Financial Review. Brokers are selling 30 per cent of stock to new investors, with Qatar Airways to retain 23 per cent and management 7.8 per cent.

The flights, which will operate twice per week on A320/21neo aircraft, will run from 27 October 2025 to 27 March 2026, for a total of around 15,000 seats over the season. It will be the only non-stop connection between Adelaide and New Zealand’s South Island.

The airport has joined Adelaide, Brisbane, Parafield, and Sydney Airports at Level 4 under ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, with Newcastle the only Australian airport to rank higher.

Commencing on 21 October, Jetstar will fly three times per week return year-round between Newcastle and Denpasar using its A321neo LR fleet, reducing the need for Hunter region residents to travel to Sydney for Bali flights.

The planes, which are configured for Australia and Pacific island flights, are fitted with 214 seats and are expected to add 70,000 seats per year to the airline’s network capacity. The first, ZK-NNH, will arrive on 4 June, with the second expected later in the month.