Low-cost carrier Jetstar inaugurated its Newcastle (NTL) to Denpasar (DPS) service on 27 October 2025, marking the Hunter region’s first scheduled international connection. Using 232-seat Airbus A321LR aircraft, flight JQ88 departs Newcastle at 09:30 three times weekly, while the return JQ89 leaves Bali on alternate evenings, arriving the next morning.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the launch follows a AUD 240 million terminal and runway upgrade co-funded by the New South Wales Government and the Australian Defence Force. “Direct Bali flights cut travel time by at least three hours compared with transiting through Sydney, freeing up premium cabin and freight capacity on east-coast trunk routes,” Horton noted.
Tourism Research Australia projects the service will inject AUD 55 million into the Hunter’s visitor economy over three years, supporting 270 jobs across hospitality and transport. Agrifood exporters also see upside: the A321LR’s belly-hold can carry 4.5 tonnes of chilled seafood per flight, opening new supply chains to Indonesian hotels and restaurants.
For mobility managers, the route offers a low-fare alternative for FIFO staff rotating between Indonesia-based mining projects and Hunter-region processing facilities. Introductory fares started at AUD 249 one-way (excluding checked bags) during Jetstar’s 72-hour launch sale.
Jetstar said it would evaluate frequency increases pending load-factor performance over the southern-summer peak and is already in talks with airport authorities about potential services to New Zealand.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the launch follows a AUD 240 million terminal and runway upgrade co-funded by the New South Wales Government and the Australian Defence Force. “Direct Bali flights cut travel time by at least three hours compared with transiting through Sydney, freeing up premium cabin and freight capacity on east-coast trunk routes,” Horton noted.
Tourism Research Australia projects the service will inject AUD 55 million into the Hunter’s visitor economy over three years, supporting 270 jobs across hospitality and transport. Agrifood exporters also see upside: the A321LR’s belly-hold can carry 4.5 tonnes of chilled seafood per flight, opening new supply chains to Indonesian hotels and restaurants.
For mobility managers, the route offers a low-fare alternative for FIFO staff rotating between Indonesia-based mining projects and Hunter-region processing facilities. Introductory fares started at AUD 249 one-way (excluding checked bags) during Jetstar’s 72-hour launch sale.
Jetstar said it would evaluate frequency increases pending load-factor performance over the southern-summer peak and is already in talks with airport authorities about potential services to New Zealand.
