The inaugural flight from Newcastle to Bali is set to take off on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, with nearly every seat booked. This strong demand for the new route has sparked optimism among airlines and airport officials about potential future international destinations. Jetstar has announced that the first Newcastle to Denpasar flight is over 90 percent full, indicating robust interest since the service was introduced in June 2023.
Stephanie Tully, CEO of Jetstar, expressed excitement about the milestone, stating, “This is a really exciting milestone – Newcastle is back on the international map.” The flight from Bali will arrive in Newcastle at 08:05 on Tuesday, following its departure at 23:10 on Monday. The return flight will leave Newcastle at 09:30 and land in Denpasar at 13:05 local time.
The service will operate three times a week, departing Newcastle every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with return flights scheduled to leave Denpasar between 22:00 and 23:00 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Newcastle-Bali route is projected to accommodate up to 70,000 passengers annually, enhancing travel options for residents and visitors alike.
Newcastle Airport has recently announced additional seasonal direct flights to Hobart, marking the third new route in six months, following the launch of flights to Perth in September 2023. Linc Horton, CEO of Newcastle Airport, reported that all new routes are “performing above expectations” according to airline feedback.
Horton indicated that the airport is actively pursuing further international destinations to maximize its recently opened $110 million international terminal. “We know airlines are watching how the Hunter responds, and we expect that strong demand for [the Bali] service will lead to more flights and new international routes being added in the future,” he stated. He added that aspirations include flights to Singapore and beyond, although he acknowledged this may take time.
The establishment of these routes has been supported by the state government through the Aviation Attraction Fund, although specific financial details have not been disclosed. It is understood that the funding amounts to millions of dollars aimed at fostering international air travel from Newcastle.
As the Newcastle to Bali service prepares for its first departure, the anticipation among travelers and stakeholders reflects a growing interest in international travel options from regional airports.
