Newcastle Gains International Airport with Launch of Norfolk Island Flights
Newcastle has become Australia’s newest international gateway with the launch of direct overseas flights to Norfolk Island.
Norfolkair’s 737 landed at Newcastle Airport for the first time at 10.10am on May 7 after a 2.5 hour flight from the external Australian territory, 1300km north-east of Newcastle.
Boasting a colourful new green and blue livery featuring Norfolk’s iconic pine, the 106-passenger plane departed Newcastle again at 11.10am on Monday for the return journey to the island, carrying a full load of passengers.
Norfolkair will fly between Norfolk Island and Newcastle every Monday, supplementing existing flights from Sydney and Brisbane each Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The addition of Newcastle to Norfolkair’s expanding schedule follows increased demand for holidays on the tiny but idyllic island, with visitation this financial year up one third on the previous year.
Norfolkair General Manager Ewan Wilson said the greater Hunter region provided a huge catchment area for visitors to Norfolk Island.
“Travelling to Sydney to fly overseas is a real hassle for many people but from today, people in the Hunter region and Central Coast have a wonderful overseas destination right on their doorstep,” Mr Wilson said.
“We will also be encouraging Victorians to fly to Norfolk via Newcastle, bypassing Sydney where they currently need to transfer to the international terminal.”
Norfolk Island Tourism Minister Geoff Gardner said Norfolk Island offered visitors of all ages an appealing mix of spectacular scenery, adventure activities, colourful culture, friendly locals, low-tax shopping, rich history and a relaxed, laidback ambience ideal for Australians keen to enjoy ‘time out’.
“During his discoveries, Captain Cook described Norfolk Island as a paradise and a growing number of visitors agree,” Mr Gardner said. “This great new air connection with Newcastle will introduce our beautiful island home to a whole new legion of potential visitors. We look forward to welcoming them.”
Once an infamous convict colony and measuring just 8km by 5km, Norfolk Island is home to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers. Islanders speak their own language – one of the world’s rarest – but use Australian dollars.
Passports are required for travel to Norfolk island and full customs, immigration and quarantine services will be operational at Newcastle Airport for each flight.
Norfolkair is a partnership arrangement set up by the Norfolk Island Government with aircraft operator Ozjet, using Norfolk Island cabin crew.
Seven night packages from Newcastle to Norfolk Island are available from around $810 per person including return flights, accommodation, car hire, daily breakfast, island tour and other bonuses. Bookings are available via travel agents or visit www.norfolkair.com or www.norfolkisland.nf.
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