The first international flight from Newcastle Airport in 16 years is now en route to New Zealand, after departing this afternoon – albeit 17-hours late.
Virgin Australia’s inaugural direct flight to Auckland was scheduled to leave at 7:30 last night, but technical issues from a lightning strike meant it was delayed until 12:15 this afternoon.
The new service, which will operate three times a week, is expected to attract more than 6,000 extra visitors and inject $6.1 million into the local economy.
Video: Passengers arriving in Newcastle from Auckland on Thursday evening.
text will be replaced
