GALLERY: Newcastle Airport Celebrates 70 Years

This week marked 70 years since the first commercial flight took off from Newcastle Airport.

Back then, the terminal consisted of two tin sheds!

A lot has changed at the airport over the years. Here's a look back at some of the highlights...

1948 - Trans Australia Airlines uses DC-3 aircraft to service a Sydney-Newcastle-Brisbane route.

1959 - Trans Australia Airlines introduces Fokker Friendships, the first turbo-props to fly out of Newcastle Airport.

1975 - New passenger terminal is constructed.

Early 1970's - Masling Airlines begins operations between Newcastle and Sydney. Air New South Wales also starts flights to Brisbane, Coolongatta, Canberra and Sydney.

1993 - Newcastle City Council and Port Stephens Council take over control of the airport from the Australian government.

1994 - Impulse Airlines begins direct flights between Newcastle and Melbourne. The airline also flew to Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Brisbane, Coolongatta, Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra.

2000 - Impulse Airlines acquires Boeing 717 aircraft and rebrands itself as a low-budget carrier.

2001 - Freedom Air begins the first international flights to Auckland. The service only lasted a year.

2003 - Brindabella Airlines begins direct flights to Canberra.

2004 - Jetstar's first ever flight JQ371 departs Newcastle for Melbourne.

2005 - The terminal receives a $8.25 million upgrade, doubling the floor space, adding a third departure gate, two baggage carousels and a retail concourse.

2005 - Aeropelican moves operations from Belmont to Williamtown.

2007 - Norfolk Air begins flights to Norfolk Island.

2015 - Terminal receives another expansion, featuring permanent customs, immigration and quarantine facilities.

2015 - FlyPelican begins flights out of Newcastle.