Hobart Airport is undergoing a significant $130 million upgrade to strengthen its runway, paving the way for direct international flights to Asian hubs.
The multi-stage project involves reinforcing 829 metres of runway in the first phase, followed by upgrades to the middle and southern sections in subsequent stages.
Once complete, larger aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 will be able to land in Tasmania direct from destinations like Singapore and Shanghai.
“Upgrading the Hobart Airport runway will make a real difference to the economy of both the city of Hobart, as well as the state of Tasmania,” Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said.
“This will benefit tourists and exporters, with larger aircraft able to land at the airport, bringing in more tourists from further afield through an Asian hub.”
Over 30,000 tonnes of old asphalt will be removed and replaced with around 100,000 tonnes of new material, equivalent to the weight of two Tasman Bridges.
The project is being delivered by around 140 workers from Downer, including locals and specialists from across the country.
“This is a highly technical project with hundreds of expert workers and specialist equipment involved,” Hobart Airport chief executive Norris Carter said.
“They have a big job on their hands, to unlock direct access to the world for Tasmanian travellers and exporters and all the opportunities that will come with that.”
The runway has been temporarily shortened during stage one works, but Carter assures travellers that there is still plenty of runway for safe landings and take-offs.
From there, approximately 80-metre wide strips will be upgraded and reopened before the first flight departs the following morning.
The project is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
