The Minns Labor Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF) will support a brand-new seasonal flight from Hobart to Newcastle, connecting the two cities directly for the first time.

On 2 December 2025, Jetstar will launch the seasonal route, which will operate three times a week from December to April, a link that will give Tasmanians direct access to NSW’s second biggest city.

The route will unlock access to new visitors for Newcastle and the Hunter, providing a boost for businesses and jobs throughout the region’s visitor economy.

Destination NSW is working with Jetstar and Hobart Airport to help promote the service – the third new route this year to be launched through the Minns Labor Government’s AAF, which has already connected Newcastle with Denpasar, in Bali, and Perth in 2025.

The new service comes at a transformational time for Newcastle Airport. Its new international terminal will unlock opportunities for the region, welcoming more visitors and turbocharging local tourism and trade. The Minns Labor Government will continue to work with Newcastle Airport to secure new routes.

It is also a transformational time for the NSW visitor economy amid the recently announced Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which emphasises the need for investment in aviation capacity to achieve the government’s major growth ambitions and that strategy’s expenditure goals.

The strategy sets out a bold new roadmap to generate $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035, with a target of 8.5 million new airline seats, as well as 40,000 more hotel rooms and an additional 150,000 jobs.

The AAF funding for the Hobart-Newcastle flight is just one way in which the Minns Labor Government is boosting aviation capacity, with two other aviation funds announced this year – the $12.5 million NSW Take Off Fund and the $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund.

These investments, combined with work across accommodation, jobs, events, marketing and industry support and development, will ensure that supply meets growing demand, making it easier and more attractive for people to visit NSW.