From March, Qantaslink will introduce direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Adelaide, three times a week return

It’s been more than three years but finally direct flights from Newcastle to Adelaide will be back on the agenda, as Australia’s national carrier comes to the party.

The flying kangaroo has answered the demands of many regional travellers with flights set to connect Newcastle to Adelaide direct once again.

In March 2018, FlyPelican commenced direct flights for the first time between the Williamtown airport and the city of churches, but after nine months in the air scrapped the route leaving a number of disappointed flyers.

After a continued push from Newcastle airport to get the direct flights reinstated to another carrier, more than three years later Australia’s national carrier Qantas has come to the party offering flights three times a week from March next year.

As the borders start to open up across the country, Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the timing couldn’t be better.

Newcastle Airport will have flights direct to Adelaide from March 2022. Supplied.

Travellers at Adelaide Airport. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Brenton Edwards

“The support that our region has shown us during the good times and bad over the last two years has been phenomenal,” he said.

“The Newcastle-Adelaide route is one of our most in-demand and searched-for destinations.

“Adelaide has very strong business connection with the Hunter including defence, wine and equine industries.

“Research shows that our community is more likely to travel for leisure than the rest of the country, and South Australia has so much to offer. From art and culture to footy and fritz, this new service offers another chance for people to get back to family, back to business and back to enjoying a long overdue holiday.’’

It’s expected the $149 fares to the South Australian capital on Qantaslink will have strong demand from both states and the route to grow to a daily service sooner rather than later.

“We know that many of our customers are flying between Adelaide and Newcastle via Sydney and we’re delighted that we’re able to offer this direct service for the first time,’’ Qantaslink CEO John Gissing said.

Australia’s national carrier has announced direct flights from Newcastle to Adelaide return answering a great demand from regional travellers.

“Adelaide and Newcastle are both gateways to some of Australia’s best wine regions and we think there’ll be strong demand on the route.’’

Adelaide Airport Managing Director Mark Young added, “Newcastle is one of our largest unserved markets and we’re excited that Qantas has recognised the opportunities that a service between our two cities offers.’

“It also provides a great alternative to travelling via Sydney for passengers wanting to travel to and from the Central Coast, Hunter and North Coast regions.’’

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said the Newcastle-Adelaide route was a win for the state’s visitor economy.

“Not only is this new connection a landmark for our visitor economy after an incredibly tough two years, but it also promises a huge boost to this rapidly growing region,” he said.

The Qantas Embraer E190 aircraft will fly passengers direct from Newcastle and Adelaide return three days per week, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from March 28.

Flights will depart Adelaide at 1.25pm and arrive in Newcastle at 4pm. The return service then departs Newcastle Airport at 4.45pm and arrives in Adelaide at 6.25pm.

The E190s, dual-class 94 seat jets, were introduced to QantasLink’s network in May as part of the airline’s agreement with Alliance Airlines.