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 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 kiosks, procured by the airport in an agreement with Australian Border Force, will boost incoming passenger capacity by 640 per hour and are part of a larger order of 40 SmartGates to be installed by early next year.
The runway will be lengthened to allow larger aircraft, including Virgin Australia’s existing 737-800 service to Perth, to operate at full capacity. Currently, the 737 is limited to 146 passengers during the wet season and 158 during the dry season.
Both international and domestic figures rose year-on-year, with 1,026,386 international and 2,084,257 domestic passengers – up 16 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively – for a new April record of 3.11 million passengers. The news comes soon after Australia marked its best-ever month for international travel.