2 December 2025
Jane Howlett, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
The first ever direct flight between Hobart and Newcastle, operated by Jetstar, will land at Hobart Airport at 5.25pm today.
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley are regional markets that have shown strong appetite for what Tasmania has to offer.
Passengers on the inaugural flight will be welcomed with a special greeting inside the terminal.
Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett, is thrilled the inaugural flight will soon arrive in Tasmania.
"Aviation access is vital for our island state. We rely on strong capacity and frequent services to support our industries and ensure travel remains affordable and convenient for Tasmanians and visitors alike,” Minister Howlett said.
“This direct flight is set to deliver economic benefits for Tasmania and opens the state up to a catchment of 1.4 million people.
“We estimate visitors travelling on this route will contribute $41.5 million in spend into Tasmania’s economy over this summer season, with potential for this to grow in the future.
“We are proud to have worked with Jetstar and Hobart Airport to have secured the route with support from the Tasmanian Government’s $5 million Aviation Attraction Fund.
“Our Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund is leveraging opportunities like this new direct air services, to support our tourism industry, increase trade opportunities and grow our economy.
“We are delivering a strong visitor economy and supporting the one in six Tasmanians employed in the industry.”
The route will bring an additional 22,656 seats and contribute to a strong outlook for tourism this summer.
Jetstar’s Hobart – Newcastle route will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The season will conclude after Easter on 21 April 2026.