Wednesday, 8 October 2025: Jetstar is making aviation history by launching the first-ever direct flights from Hobart to Newcastle, with sale fares available from just $59^ one-way.
Today's announcement by Jetstar comes as QantasLink relaunches two routes out of Hobart, with flights to Perth restarting last month and flights to Canberra set to take off in late October.
These three routes will boost Qantas Group capacity by more than 76,000 seats a year in and out of the Tasmanian capital, supporting tourism and providing more travel options for residents.
Jetstar - Hobart to Newcastle
Taking off from 2 December 2025 until 21 April 2026, Jetstar's new seasonal service from Hobart to Newcastle, will operate three times a week using Airbus A320 aircraft.
With more than 22,000 new low-cost seats on the route this season, customers can travel seamlessly between Tasmania's historic capital and surrounding wilderness and the NSW Hunter region's stunning beaches and renowned wineries.
To celebrate the new route, Jetstar is offering sale fares from just $59^ one-way. The 24-hour sale will start at 11am AEDT today at jetstar.com.
QantasLink services return
Qantas has also added more than 54,000 seats annually with the return of QantasLink flights from Hobart to Perth last month and the restart of seasonal flights from Hobart to Canberra on 26 October 2025.
The service to Perth will operate three times a week on Airbus A319 aircraft, providing Tasmanians with improved access to Western Australia's resources sector and better connectivity to Qantas' growing western hub in Perth and one-stop connections to London, Paris, and Rome.
QantasLink's seasonal services from Hobart to Canberra will operate up to four times a week between 26 October 2025 and the end of March 2025.
It comes as Qantas adds its state-of-the-art A220 aircraft to several Tasmanian routes, including from Hobart to Melbourne and Launceston, and invests in a brand-new Qantas Lounge at Hobart Airport, which is set to open in 2027.
Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully, said Jetstar's new route will provide a major tourism boost across Hobart and the Hunter.
"The Qantas Group already carries more tourists into Hobart and Newcastle than any other airline - and arrivals are set to soar yet again.
"Starting in December, Jetstar's new direct seasonal service between these two cities will create another 22,000 low-cost seats a year, further strengthening inbound tourism.
"We want to thank the Tasmanian and New South Wales governments and Hobart and Newcastle airports for their strong support of the new route.
"The relaunch of QantasLink flights from Hobart to Perth and Hobart to Canberra will also provide a significant boost to Tasmania's tourism industry and reflect the Qantas Group's ongoing commitment to investing in Tasmania."
Tasmanian Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Jane Howlett, said the new route is a landmark addition to Tasmania's aviation network.
"The Tasmanian Government is proud to work with Jetstar and Hobart Airport to deliver this new route and unlock opportunities for Tasmanians and visitors alike.
"Tasmania is a world-class destination for Australians wanting to experience unique landscapes and fine food and produce.
"This direct service opens the door to a significant catchment of 1.4 million people across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley.
"This is a regional market that has already shown strong appetite for what Tasmania has to offer."
Hobart Airport COO, Matt Cocker, said the Airport's team was proud to have worked hard to help secure the additional flights for Tasmania.
"The new direct flights to Newcastle unlock the largest population area in Australia that we're not yet flying to directly from Hobart Airport.
"This is great news for Tasmania's tourism and hospitality businesses, with well over one million new potential travellers across the Newcastle Hunter region.
"Having the chance to travel direct between Hobart and Newcastle, rather than via Sydney, will save travellers time and money."
Newcastle Airport CEO, Linc Horton, said the Hobart route is the latest example of Newcastle Airport enabling more travel choice, supporting the local economy and opening up new opportunities for the region.
"Newcastle is one of Australia's fastest-growing centres with the Hunter Region holding its own on a global stage and we are proud to connect people to the places that matter to them.
"Being directly connected to Tasmania's capital is a big deal for both communities. Our region wants to travel and deserves to have these important connections available to them."
Flight schedule
Jetstar Hobart to Newcastle
2 December 2025 - 28 March 2026
Flight |
Frequency |
Departure |
Arrival |
JQ489 NTL-HBA |
Tue, Thu and Sat |
15:25 |
17:25 |
JQ488 HBA-NTL |
Tue, Thu and Sat |
18:05 |
20:10 |
31 March 2026 - 21 April 2026
Flight |
Frequency |
Departure |
Arrival |
JQ489 NTL-HBA |
Tue, Thu and Sat |
12:35 |
14:35 |
JQ488 HBA-NTL |
Tue, Thu and Sat |
15:15 |
17:20 |
^Sale ends 11.00am AEST Thursday 9 October 2025, unless sold out. One-way, excludes checked bags. Prices based on payment by PayID, Jetstar voucher, Jetstar Gift Card, or bookings redeemed only in Qantas Points through jetstar.com. For other options, a Payment Fee applies. See jetstar.com/fees. Travel dates and other conditions apply.
