Newcastle Airport has been crowned Australia's Airport of the Year at the 2026 Australian Aviation Awards, recognising an extraordinary year of growth, innovation and regional impact.
The national award recognises Newcastle Airport's transformation into an international gateway for NSW and the Hunter, following the successful delivery of its international terminal, delivering more travel choice to the Hunter through expansion of its domestic and international route network and commitment to delivering an outstanding passenger experience. The award submission highlighted the airport's operational readiness, innovation in terminal design, sustainability leadership and its role in driving regional jobs and economic growth.
The recognition capped a significant day for Newcastle Airport, with two executive leaders invited to share their expertise at the Australian Aviation Summit ahead of the awards.
EGM Aviation Andrew Warrender joined a national panel discussing aviation risk and security, while EGM People and Communications Burcak Sezer participated in a sustainability panel, showcasing Newcastle Airport's industry-leading achievements in carbon reduction, Green Star certification and sustainable airport operations. The pair later joined Chair Samantha Martin-Williams, CEO Linc Horton, Board Member Suzanne Holden and the wider Newcastle Airport delegation at the Australian Aviation Awards.
Newcastle Airport was selected from an outstanding field of finalists including Launceston Airport, Mackay Airport, Melbourne Airport and Port Hedland International Airport.
Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said to be recognised as Australia's Airport of the Year is an incredible honour with this recognition belonging to the dedicated airport team and the region it serves.
"This award is a nod to our people, our airline partners, governments, stakeholders and the community who have supported our ambition to become the airport the region deserves,” Ms Martin-Williams said. "We are incredibly proud to represent the Hunter on the national stage and congratulate our fellow finalists, who continue to make an important contribution to Australia's aviation industry."
Chief Executive Officer Linc Horton said Newcastle Airport has evolved from a regional airport to an international gateway and platform for regional opportunity.
"Over the past year we have successfully delivered our international terminal, introduced key domestic and international routes for our region and continued building the partnerships that are helping unlock tourism, trade, investment and jobs for the Hunter,” Mr Horton said.
“Delivering a major airport expansion while maintaining day-to-day operations required an extraordinary effort across every part of the airport and this award belongs to every person across Newcastle Airport and the region who has contributed to making our airport one of the very best in Australia.
It's particularly pleasing that this recognition follows a day where our executive team was invited to contribute to national discussions on the future of aviation. Newcastle Airport is delivering outstanding outcomes for our region and helping shape the future of Australia's aviation industry."
Newcastle Airport congratulates Launceston Airport, Mackay Airport, Melbourne Airport and Port Hedland International Airport on being named finalists in the Airport of the Year category and acknowledges their contribution to Australia's aviation industry.
Newcastle Airport also thanks Australian Aviation for hosting both the Australian Aviation Summit and the Australian Aviation Awards, bringing together industry leaders from across the country to recognise excellence and help shape the future of Australian aviation.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, congratulated Newcastle Airport and said it should come as no surprise to anyone in the Hunter that Newcastle Airport has been named the best in Australia.
“In one extraordinary year, Newcastle Airport has opened its international terminal, expanded its network and transformed the way our region connects with Australia and the world.
“This is far more than a terminal and a runway. It is the Hunter’s gateway to new jobs, more visitors, greater investment and opportunities that once seemed out of reach.
“The Hunter is ambitious, outward-looking and ready to take on the world - and Newcastle Airport embodies that spirit.
“This award belongs to the brilliant team who took a bold vision for our region and made it real. The entire Hunter should be immensely proud.”