Last night, Newcastle Airport celebrated the official opening of its new international terminal, offering flights from next month directly to Bali for the first time in its history. The expanded terminal ushers in a new era of opportunity for the Hunter, connecting the community to the world and driving long-term economic growth in the region. For Daracon, this significant achievement is more than just a ribbon cutting, but marks the culmination of years of partnership, growth, and proud contribution to delivering the airport the region deserves.
Daracon has supported Newcastle Airport’s long-term growth through the delivery of key civil infrastructure projects over the past decade, including early car park expansions, runway apron works, commercial precinct development at Astra Aerolab and major landside road upgrades. The Daracon team is currently undertaking airside pavement upgrade works for the taxiway and parking bays in preparation for Bali flights landing at Newcastle Airport. Each project has been a step toward the future realised today - a world-class gateway that places the Hunter region on the map.
“As a business born and based in the Hunter, it means a great deal to have been part of this transformative project that opens up an abundance of new opportunities for our region. We’re proud to have played a small role in shaping the future of this next chapter of growth in Newcastle Airport’s journey, and we look forward to seeing the benefits flow through to the wider community,” said Adam Kelly, Daracon Group Business Development Director.
Photo Credit: Newcastle Airport. From left: Newcastle Airport Executive GM Planning & Infrastructure Ben Kochanski, Contracts Manager Catherine Gumley, Interim CEO Andrew Warrender IAP, Senior Program Manager Raquel James-Wright, Project Manager Alistair Graham
Aerospace East Carpark
In late 2017, Daracon was engaged by Newcastle Airport to develop a new car parking facility within the Aerospace East Precinct in order to address the expanding Airport capacity.
Delivered over several stages to avoid disruption to airport operations, works included the construction of pavements, footpaths, bus facilities, installation of lighting, CCTV, drainage, and landscaping. Throughout the scope of works, Daracon ensured the airport could keep moving as usual with parking available, even during peak demand. The outcome was an additional 488 car spaces, designed for use by airport customers, staff, and hire car businesses.
Code C Eastern Apron Extension
In late 2019, the airport was on track to realise their expansion plans, which led to the need to expand capacity for Code C aircraft, and provide infrastructure that enabled future wide-body Code E operations. Daracon was again engaged by Newcastle Airport to carry out the scope of works.
Works included construction of 6,300m2 of flexible aircraft pavement, stormwater pipework and pits, and Class G grated drain construction, lighting and associated reticulation works, construction of structural services protection structure over multiple services in service corridor, line marking, landscaping and associated finishing works. The Daracon team carefully staged construction to minimise disruption and maintain safety throughout.
Astra Aerolab Commercial Division and Site remediation
Co-located with RAAF Base Williamtown and Newcastle Airport, Astra Aerolab is a world class defence and aerospace precinct designed to support innovation, high-end manufacturing and sovereign capability to the Defence sector. In early 2020, Daracon was appointed as lead contractor for Stage 1 civil works. This appointment marked a continuation of their long-standing partnership with the Airport.
Stage 1 works included construction of road pavements, sewer and water infrastructure, lighting, CCTV and fencing, along with high-quality landscaping, signage, street furniture and public art. The precinct has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating smart pole technology, energy-efficient systems and water-sensitive urban design, all within a defence-compatible environment.
Williamtown Drive Duplication & Nelson Bay Road Intersection Upgrade
In late 2023, Newcastle Airport accelerated investment in landside infrastructure upgrades to support the terminal expansion ahead of the imminent launch of long-haul international flights. Daracon was engaged to deliver critical upgrades including additional car parking facilities, and improvements to existing road networks and intersections.
Works included duplication of the carriageway to a dual lane separated carriageway between Nelson Bay Road and the 5-leg round-a-bout to the West, signalised intersection to include a second right turn lane from Williamtown Drive South onto Nelson Bay Road as well as new signalisation for a pedestrian crossing on the Northbound left turn into the airport, creation of a new shared path, additional car parking, street lighting upgrades, upgrades to stormwater drainage, new cantilever signage over the entry to the airport plus landscaping.
As the region celebrates the upcoming commencement of international travel, Daracon Group congratulates Newcastle Airport on this landmark achievement, reflecting a shared commitment to delivering lasting infrastructure for the Hunter.
