Newcastle Airport is bouncing back to life as it welcomes regular Queensland flights from today. Brisbane and Gold Coast flights are scheduled from today, with Sunshine Coast and Cairns flights to commence from this Friday 17 December.
Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the border reopening was an important step in reconnecting the region.
“I’m so moved by the happiness and emotion in terminal today. Watching passengers from Brisbane running into the arms of family and friends for the first time in 5 months – these are scenes that have been missing from Newcastle for too long.
“The role Newcastle Airport plays in connecting our community, especially after such a long and difficult period apart, is significant.
“Our community has supported us through good times and bad, and it feels really special to be part of these moments here in Newcastle today.”
Dr Cock said the border reopening marks an exciting step in the region’s recovery.
“When the borders reopened in 2020, our community came flocking back, they made us one of the quickest airports in Australia to recover and we’re confident of the continuing support.
“Our reconnection to the sunshine state today means we have more flights available for our customers than before the beginning of the pandemic,” he said.
“This is a real show of confidence in our region and best of all, it means more choice for our community and inbound customer alike.”
With Queensland now open, Dr Cock says additional frequency of flights is dependent on demand.
“People in our region want to fly and they’re keen to get back to Queensland, especially at this time of year.
“Flights are priced to get people flying again, so I’m encouraging everyone to reconnect with family and loved ones and take that long-awaited holiday – there’s no better time,” he said.
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