An emergency warning for bushfires burning in Tomago, just north of Newcastle, has been downgraded, but the city's airport will remain closed until Sunday morning.

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The fires were this evening approximately 472 hectares in total and were both heading in a northerly direction.

Originally, a single fire was quickly travelling east towards Newcastle Airport, before it split in two.

The fire was downgraded to an advice level about 7:30pm on Saturday after being an emergency situation for most of the afternoon.

The airport has been closed and all flights for Saturday afternoon and evening were cancelled.

A bowling alley and aquatic centre were evacuated in Raymond Terrace, north of Tomago.

Richardson Road in Raymond Terrace was earlier closed, but was reopened by 7:30pm on Saturday.

Residents in the south-eastern part of Raymond Terrace along Benjamin Lee Drive and on Richmond Road at Campvale were advised to continue to monitor the situation and take direction from firefighters.

The RFS said the firefighters on the scene were assisted by waterbombing aircraft including the large Nancy Bird.

Greg Allan from the RFS said there were no reports of loss of property.

The Newcastle Airport will reopen on Sunday morning.

The Tomago fire from Richardson Road, near Newcastle. ( Supplied: Nicki Skinner )

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A fire near Tomago is heading east towards Newcastle Airport. ( Supplied: Maisy Rice )