With new Bali flights, this is Australia's newest international airport

Bali just keeps getting bigger. Now, Newcastle (NSW) will be directly linked with the holiday hotspot, thanks to a new Jetstar service announced this morning. 

Commencing 21 October 2025, the Newcastle-Bali (Denpasar) service will operate three times per week, utilising Jetstar’s A321R aircraft and providing 70,000 seats on the route. 

With the new service, NSW’s second biggest city will see the return of regular international flights for the first time in five years and the first direct link abroad beyond Australasia.

With a flight time of just six hours, as opposed to a longer journey transiting through another capital, the new service makes it easier for Novocastrians and other Aussies in the Hunter Region to experience Bali’s famous beaches and even travel beyond to other destinations. 

10th Bali route

The announcement of the new route, Jetstar’s tenth Australia-Bali service, comes after the low-cost carrier unveiled Gold Coast-Bali flights to commence on 1 August. 

The Qantas Group airline now operates some 100 weekly flights to Bali, its most popular international destination. 

“We’re thrilled to be the airline to launch Newcastle’s first international flights in more than five years with our new direct service from Newcastle to Bali,” Jetstar Group CEO Steph Tully said.

“Jetstar is committed to making travel more accessible, and people living in and around Newcastle will no longer need to drive to other airports to fly overseas, which means more time and money can go toward their holiday.

“We want to thank Newcastle Airport and the NSW Government for their support in making travel more accessible.”

More routes coming

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the new service reflected the NSW city’s ambition and that more routes were coming.

“We’re proud to be delivering what our (Hunter) region has long asked for … direct international flights from their local airport,” he said.

“This achievement shows what the Hunter is capable of when we aim high.

“Bali is one of Australia’s most loved destinations and is the first of many exciting destinations we will deliver.” 

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said the new route would be “a win for regional connectivity, tourism and the broader economy”.

“It opens the door to new opportunities – not just for holidaymakers, but for businesses and communities across the Hunter region,” he remarked.

“More international connections like this one mean local exporters, travel and tourism operators can access new markets and grow their footprint globally.

“This new route offers convenience and choice for travellers, giving more Australians the chance to fly direct to one of our most popular overseas destinations without needing to go through a capital city airport.” 

“A new era”

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper said the announcement signalled “the start of a new era of growth for Newcastle and the Hunter region”.

“Not only will this strategic investment boost the capacity of Newcastle Airport, it will open the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast to a major South-East Asian transport hub and a wealth of opportunity,” he stated.

“The first ongoing international flight for Newcastle Airport is a significant moment for the region’s visitor economy – and we’re only just getting started. 

“I look forward to continuing to work with more airlines to grow the airport’s network and capacity.”

To celebrate the launch, Jetstar is offering one-way Newcastle-Bali fares from $199 for just 24 hours from midday (AEST, 3 June).

Last week, QantasLink announced it would commence the first-ever Newcastle-Perth service in September 2025.

Flight schedule

From 20 October 2025:

From 27 October 2025: