Newcastle Airport has hit a major milestone, recording the highest passenger numbers in its history as it hopes to add more international destinations to its radar.
The news comes not long after it was crowned Australia's Airport of the Year.
More than 1.3 million passengers have walked through the airport's doors this financial year, a 10 per cent increase on the previous financial year.
Newcastle Airport chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the result showed the region had a strong appetite for greater connectivity, with newly introduced services to Bali, Perth and Hobart performing "exceptionally well".
"The new Denpasar [Bali], Perth and Hobart routes contributed more than 94,000 additional passenger movements during the year," Ms Martin-Williams said.
"This demonstrates the outstanding results that can be achieved for the Hunter when airlines, governments and communities work together to deliver the services our region has been calling for."
More than 112,600 passengers travelled through Newcastle Airport in July making it the busiest July on record, Ms Martin-Williams said.
"This is a regional growth story of national significance," Ms Martin-Williams said.
"Better air connectivity brings more visitors and investment into the region, creating and connecting jobs with new customers, talent and suppliers locally and overseas.
"It also helps regional businesses and growing markets. It backs the status of the Hunter as a global tourism, trade, defence industry and advanced manufacturing centre. It strengthens regional NSW as a place to invest, grow and do business."
Flights to Hobart took off in December last year, and this week, Newcastle Airport and airline Jetstar announced direct flights to Tasmania will launch a month earlier.
Travellers will be able to book from October 27, giving the route an extra 6000 seats.
Over the past year, the airport has started flying from its international terminal and launched four new routes.
Newcastle Airport chief executive Linc Horton said the Airport of the Year award belongs to the community, businesses, governments and partners who backed the airport's growth.
"This recognition also gives us an opportunity to pause, say thank you to our region and celebrate how far we've come together while remaining focused on what comes next," Mr Horton said.
"There is so much more potential to connect the Hunter with Australia and the world, making it easier for visitors to experience our region and giving our community greater choice when they travel."
Mr Horton said the Hunter's appetite for travel has never been stronger, and as additional airline capacity comes online, he expects to unlock greater opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and jobs.
"We will continue to build on this record year and be the airport our region deserves," he said.
"Our immediate route aspirations include Fiji and Auckland, however we are actively pursuing a number of additional destinations as part of our long-term connectivity strategy for the region."
