International Destinations for NTL

[justinbrett]

NTL-HBA

Is there some separatist movement in Tasmania I'm not aware of?

 

[Forg]

NTL-HBA

I think that’s a prime example of what didn’t work for Bonza?

 

[Lynda2475]

Fiji Airlines are doing well in developing themselves as a hub so they aren’t just targeting Fiji only travellers (though airport capacity is an issue for them to grow that angle).

Sure but imo they'd be better targetting other capital cities for extra fluggts or even flying from OOL (as a point of difference) before NTL.

Unfortunately the arrival times for some of the connecting flights leave a lot to be desired i.e. NAN-HNL is in the wee small hours of the am.

 

[flyerboy]

I know when I previously worked at NTL in the mid 2010s, Fiji Airways was close to launching 3/2 weekly flights to Nadi but they changed their mind at the last moment because the Sydney market had a downturn in passengers. Then came the VA AKL flights over summer 2018/19/20 which didn't last long as the passenger numbers didn't stack up and COVID hit.

I know back then that most Airlines didn't take NTL seriously enough because it was to close to SYD and I guess the numbers didn't stack up. Some of the people I know who work their personally feel the ship has sailed because they left their run to late with WSI opening.

I do see a couple of times a week DPS and maybe AKL as the only routes that may work. AKL will only work if it's timed right with connecting flights.

 

[masco131]

I live in Newcastle and tbh I don’t know why they are building an international terminal. As you said few days a week to DPS or AKL will be the most. A stronger domestic network would have been better, atleast limited service to all the capital cities.

I know when I previously worked at NTL in the mid 2010s, Fiji Airways was close to launching 3/2 weekly flights to Nadi but they changed their mind at the last moment because the Sydney market had a downturn in passengers. Then came the VA AKL flights over summer 2018/19/20 which didn't last long as the passenger numbers didn't stack up and COVID hit.

I know back then that most Airlines didn't take NTL seriously enough because it was to close to SYD and I guess the numbers didn't stack up. Some of the people I know who work their personally feel the ship has sailed because they left their run to late with WSI opening.

I do see a couple of times a week DPS and maybe AKL as the only routes that may work. AKL will only work if it's timed right with connecting flights.

 

[Aquaculturalist]

With 2025 apparently being the year Newcastle (NTL) begins regular, scheduled international flights, I am wondering if anyone would be brave enough to hazard a guess as to the first destinations.

Rumours of Nadi (FJ), Kuala Lumpur (MAS) and Port Vila (JQ) are doing the rounds around town. I think KL might be the only sustainable option, though.

What are your thoughts? Given the airports financial situation, I can see things being fairly muted when it opens.

NTL will be a very poor choice for Frequent Flyers. With no Qantas Club, extremely poor parking, virtually no public transport and located a long way from the city itself, it's not my choice. Far better for me to catch the XPT to Central and take the airport link.

It's only chance of success is with budget airlines. Auckland is at the top of the list along with Scoot.

 

[MikeG]

Back in the day I flew NTL - Hamilton NZ. I wonder if that route will come back?

 

[RB001]

Back in the day I flew NTL - Hamilton NZ. I wonder if that route will come back?

Let's see how Jetstar does with OOL-HLZ first...

 

[justinbrett]

NTL will be a very poor choice for Frequent Flyers. With no Qantas Club, extremely poor parking, virtually no public transport and located a long way from the city itself, it's not my choice. Far better for me to catch the XPT to Central and take the airport link.

It's only chance of success is with budget airlines. Auckland is at the top of the list along with Scoot.

Of course NTL serves much more than just the city of Newcastle, such as the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.

Although I’m just as sceptical about international routes I disagree that budget carriers are the answer. It’s always going to be cheaper to go to SYD, especially once you account for public transport.

There is a lot of government, military and aerospace business in the area, particularly around the base, so NZ to AKL might work (to allow for US connections) but other than that I can’t see it happening. It’s just as easy to connect in BNE. In fact this traffic mix is why I believe we saw the demise of the JQ base and far more QF seats, and even a new route to ADL.

Although I don’t see the problem with the parking. You can even park for free if you know the right spots.

 

[xen0n33]

NTL will be a very poor choice for Frequent Flyers. With no Qantas Club, extremely poor parking, virtually no public transport and located a long way from the city itself, it's not my choice. Far better for me to catch the XPT to Central and take the airport link.

It's only chance of success is with budget airlines. Auckland is at the top of the list along with Scoot.

It's a bit awkward location for visitors too: I once flew MEL-NTL and caught the local bus to the city (40 something minutes) and was the only passenger on the bus until the very last stop.

EDIT: to remain on topic, surely the only int'l flights would be to AKL. NAN at a stretch, if FJ were feeling adventurous.

 

[justinbrett]

It's a bit awkward location for visitors too: I once flew MEL-NTL and caught the local bus to the city (40 something minutes) and was the only passenger on the bus until the very last stop.

EDIT: to remain on topic, surely the only int'l flights would be to AKL. NAN at a stretch, if FJ were feeling adventurous.

Next time get the bus to Stockton and transfer to the ferry. It’s faster and much more enjoyable.

I’d think we’d see FJ fly to OOL before NTL.

 

[xen0n33]

Next time get the bus to Stockton and transfer to the ferry. It’s faster and much more enjoyable.

I’d think we’d see FJ fly to OOL before NTL.

I did look at the bus/ferry, but from memory I just missed it so had to settle.