NEWCASTLE Airport officially opened its new international terminal last Thursday evening, 25 September.
Around 300 guests including dignitaries, industry leaders and community representatives gathered to celebrate the expanded terminal.
The evening opened with a spectacular RAAF flyby, followed by a Welcome to Country from Worimi Elder Uncle John Ridgeway and a Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Justin Ridgeway beside a custom-made fire pit.
Guests were then treated to a vibrant showcase of Hunter culture, complete with live music and the region’s finest food and wine through Tastes of the Hunter.
Proceedings, hosted by Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, included addresses from Minister for Defence Industry and Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson and Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle City Council Callum Pull.
Formalities concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative artwork by Hunter artist Mitch Revs.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the terminal’s footprint has now been expanded by 50 percent, opening the Hunter region to the world and making international travel from Newcastle easier and more accessible.
“We commenced direct flights to Perth earlier this month, have direct flights to Bali commencing on 21 October and are working on more exciting routes for our region,” Mr Horton said.
“Our region’s new international terminal is a legacy asset built today for the decades to come; for our shareholder councils Port Stephens and City of Newcastle, for our communities, for the State of New South Wales and for the Federal Government whose investment in us is an investment in our region’s future.”
According to the airport, the completed terminal is expected to deliver $12.7 billion in economic benefit over the next 20 years, including $6.2 billion into the visitor economy, $6.5 billion in freight activity and more than 4,000 jobs.
Newcastle Airport Chair Jude Munro AO said our Board’s vision from the outset was to create an airport that reflects the region’s future potential and delivers lasting value.
“This terminal represents the long-term vision and commitment of our Board to create infrastructure that supports Government objectives, delivers for today and positions the region for decades of growth,” Ms Munro said.
The new terminal expands the facility to eight gates, introduces an aerobridge for the first time and more than doubles the airport’s passenger capacity during peak periods.
It has been designed to accommodate larger international aircraft, opening the way for future services to major global hubs.
Newcastle Airport currently serves around 1.3 million passengers each year.
By 2036, this is forecast to grow to 2.6 million annually, with the capacity to ultimately support around five million passengers per year.
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