Travelling to Europe is about to get easier for a whole lot of Australians. New flights set to launch in spring will enable nearly 1 million Aussies to fly to the UK and the European continent for the first time with just one stop.
Qantas recently announced that regional brand QantasLink will commence nonstop flights from Newcastle and Hobart to Perth in September 2025.
Not only is this great news for travellers looking to connect across the country, but it gives around 700,000 Novocastrians and Hunter Region residents, along with more than 250,000 Hobart residents, the chance to connect to nonstop Qantas flights from the WA capital to London, Paris and seasonally to Rome.
In addition, commencing in October, Jetstar will start Newcastle-Bali flights, giving Newcastle and Hunter residents the unprecedented option of flying to Europe with just one stop through Denpasar.
Airlines that directly connect Bali with Europe include KLM (Amsterdam) and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul).
Currently, residents of NSW’s second-largest city have to drive more than two hours (each way) to Sydney to access one-stop services to Europe.
Andrew Minto, Owner and Director of Newcastle-based Home & Afar Travel, lauded the new services, which he says transform Newcastle into a springboard for international travel.
“It’s such great news for the Hunter. These new direct services from Newcastle to Perth and Denpasar mean locals can now get where they’re going with just one stop – and that’s a game-changer,” he told Karryon.
“It makes travel so much easier and really puts Newcastle on the map as a genuine launchpad for international adventures. It’s exciting news for both leisure and business travellers.”
Minto also thanked the flying kangaroo for opening up new opportunities for clients.
“As agents, we really value the support Qantas has shown the Hunter with these new services,” he added.
“It’s a strong vote of confidence in our region, and it’s fantastic to see more travel opportunities opening up for our clients right here at home.
“There’s now a real sense that Newcastle is stepping up as a serious gateway.”
More to come?
Julia van Huisstede, Co-owner of Newcastle’s italktravel & cruise The Junction, was equally thrilled with the news, especially the Bali flights.
“The announcement of the first international flight from Newcastle is fantastic news,” she told Karryon.
“It’s been long anticipated and a perfect first international service for locals.”
Van Huisstede also praised her local hub, saying it offers a “convenient and hassle-free way to start your holiday”.
“The departure and arrival times are excellent – and with the ease of a modern and new single terminal to navigate and ample, affordable parking, there is no time like now to book your holiday to Bali,” she added.
“As agents in Newcastle, we welcome this with open arms and know that due to the investment at the airport, it is only the first of many to come.
“We will be supporting the service and hope everyone gets behind it so that it continues.”
