Newcastle Airport and Jetstar are bringing back the popular Newcastle-Hobart direct service for an extended second season with a 27 per cent capacity increase on offer.
The seasonal service is returning from 27 October 2026 to 24 April 2027, starting more than a month earlier than its debut year and offering over 28,000 seats between the two cities.
The boost of 6,000 more seats shows high demand for the direct link between the Hunter and Tasmania.
“Due to the popularity of our flights between Hobart and Newcastle last year, we’ve added more than 6,000 new low fares seats between the two cities,” Jetstar executive manager of commercial planning, Scott Zeglin said. “We thank the Newcastle Airport for their continued support in delivering more low fares and greater travel choice.”
The route will fly with Jetstar’s Airbus A320 and flights will continue to run three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, providing convenient direct access in both directions throughout the summer travel period. Flights from Newcastle to Hobart depart 3:40PM and arrive 5:40PM. Flights from Hobart to Newcastle depart 6:20PM and arrive 8:15PM.
The second season will include the spring and summer travel period which falls through the buildup to Christmas, through to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and Easter holidays.
“This route made history was when it launched in December 2025 as the only direct air-flight service between Hobart and Newcastle, generating new inbound travel into the Hunter while giving locals direct access to another much-loved destination in Australia,” Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said. “We are a gateway in both directions, meaning it is easier for locals to explore further afield, whilst we attract visitors to our fantastic region.”
Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said the expansion further strengthened Tasmania’s connectivity with one of Australia’s largest population centres.
“The Newcastle and Hunter region is home to more than one million people, and extending this service means even more travellers can fly direct to Hobart without the time and cost of connecting through another city,” Carter said.
“Adding 6,000 more seats and extending the season by more than a month gives Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality businesses greater opportunity to welcome visitors outside the traditional peak period.
“It will also make travel easier for Tasmanians looking to explore Newcastle and the Hunter region, from stunning beaches and coastal adventures to the wineries and food experiences of the Hunter Valley.”
Carter said the airport welcomed the additional seats, secured in partnership with the Tasmanian Government through the Aviation Attraction Fund, and said the outcome demonstrated the value of partnerships between airlines, airports and government.
Fares from Newcastle to Hobart are available from $199.
