Designed by Cox Architects and constructed by Construction Control, the Newcastle Airport Expansion provides an additional 50% increase to the airports footprint. Delivered through innovative staging, modular construction, and collaborative site management, the project boasts a sustainable design while providing long-term economic and operational benefits for the region.

“This redevelopment positions Newcastle Airport as the region’s international gateway,” said Newcastle Airport CEO, Linc Horton. “It’s about connecting the Hunter to global destinations, supporting local business and creating opportunities for the future. The project celebrates who we are as a region – from our beaches to our wineries – while ensuring we’re ready for decades of growth.”

“The terminal’s footprint has now been expanded by 50% opening the Hunter Region to the world and making international travel from Newcastle easier and more accessible. We commenced direct flights to Perth and to Bali in October, have just announced Singapore via Bali commencing 29 March 2026 and are working on more exciting routes for our region,” Linc said.

The architectural design of the terminal draws directly from the landscapes and light of the Hunter. “The vaulted ceiling takes its cues from the sand dunes; the textures of the walls reflect our vineyards; and the floor finishes mirror the tones of our coastline,” Linc explained. “Every element celebrates our region’s natural beauty, with the design allowing that unique ‘Hunter Light’ to fill the space.”

Equally central to the design is a commitment to sustainability. The new terminal is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating, reflecting a fusion of aesthetic excellence and environmental responsibility.

“We wanted to create something that doesn’t just look beautiful, but also performs beautifully. This means energy efficiency, improved passenger comfort, and sustainable materials embedded from construction through to operations,” explained Linc.

The benefits extend far beyond the airport boundary. The redevelopment is forecast to generate over 4,400 long-term jobs and contribute $12.7 billion in economic activity to the region over the next 20 years, including $6.2 billion in tourism and $6.5 billion in freight and logistics.

“Newcastle Airport is a key economic enabler for the Hunter,” Linc said. “We’re supporting tourism, trade and investment, but we’re also inspiring confidence in regional business. When people and goods can move efficiently, the whole region thrives.”

Newcastle Airport Executive GM Planning & Infrastructure, Ben Kochanski said during construction, the project created more than 500 local jobs, with procurement prioritising regional contractors and suppliers wherever possible. “This project has been about supporting our community from the ground up,” Ben noted.

Delivering such an ambitious project on a live airport site required precision planning and collaboration. “Maintaining an
exceptional passenger experience while doubling the footprint of the terminal was a complex challenge,” Ben said. “Methodologies and sequencing strategies were crucial to keeping the site safe and efficient.”

NAPL’s key priorities included a build strategy that prioritised clear segregation between construction zones and passenger areas, allowing conventional construction activity to continue without the complexity of air side access requirements. This approach not only streamlined build sequencing but materially enhanced safety outcomes for both workers and the
travelling public.

“We undertook regular third-party audits across the construction site and deployed a dedicated airport superintendent to work directly with the construction contractor,” explained Ben. “This ensured daily co-ordination with airport operations and protected the safety and experience of passengers at all times.”

Milestones throughout the build reflected the project’s deep ties to community and country. A Topping Out ceremony in October 2024 marked the completion of the structural phase, where the final beam was raised alongside a Banksia Ericifolia — Heath Banksia, supplied by the Worimi People, the traditional custodians of the land. “That moment symbolised our respect for local culture and our connection to place,” Ben said.

The new domestic terminal opened to passengers in July 2025.

“It’s exciting to think of the journeys that will begin here,” Ben said. “For some, it will be their first overseas trip; for others, it’s a gateway home.”

Linc Horton said looking ahead, the Newcastle Airport expansion stands as a legacy project, one that will serve generations.
“We’re proud of the partnerships, craftsmanship, and community spirit that made this possible,” Linc reflected. “This terminal is a physical representation of our commitment to delivering the airport our region deserves, connecting the people of the Hunter to the world and creating new pathways for trade, tourism and economic development.”

Newcastle Airport currently serves around 1.3 million passengers each year. By 2036, this is forecast to grow to 2.6 million annually, with the capacity to ultimately support around 5 million passengers per year.

For more information contact Newcastle Airport, newcastleairport.com.au