North Arm Cove may soon benefit from having its first taste of easy access to overseas flights with work now underway to give Newcastle airport an international capacity. While initially likely to be limited to flights to New Zealand, and possibly Fiji and Bali, it is possible this initiative will be the start of a more extensive international service.
At present the airport, which is about a 30-minute drive from the Cove, provides a good range of domestic flights but has no capacity to provide overseas services. This is now in the process of being rectified with work having started on providing passport, security and border force facilities at the airport. Reports indicate this work is due to be completed by the end of the year.
The NSW Minister for Infrastructure, Mr Andrew Constance, told the Daily Telegraph, the government would spend over $850,000 to provide the airport with the ability to take international flights.
Peter Cock, the airport’s chief executive, told the same paper that the first direct flights would probably go to Auckland, adding that he had had talks with a range of airlines including Virgin, Jetstar and Air New Zealand. It is possible the first international flights will take place as early as November.
Of course, while this would be real boon for many local residents the downside of an expanded airport will be increased aircraft noise. Still, given the very limited noise impact at present this should be a small price to pay for easy access to an international airport, however embryonic.
Sorry but a "good range of
Sorry but a "good range of domestic flights." Only if you want to fly direct to Melbourne, Brisbane or Gold Coast. Anywhere else in this country and it's multiple flights. Virgin has connecting flights where you don't have to worry about your luggage. With Jetstar forget it. Get your bags and check in on each leg.