More than 131,000 passengers are expected to pass through Hobart Airport over the next two weeks as the school holidays get under way.
This Friday is tipped to be the busiest day, with close to 9,000 people moving through the terminal.
Hobart Airport chief executive Norris Carter said passenger numbers typically climbed in the lead-up to the holidays.
“We’re continuing to see strong demand for travel, with airlines maintaining good capacity through Hobart Airport,” he said.
More than half of the holiday traffic is expected to be on the Hobart-Melbourne route.
Brisbane is also in strong demand, offering access to destinations across Queensland and connections to more than 30 international destinations.
Qantas lifted capacity on its Hobart-Brisbane service from September 21, adding 2,976 seats over the fortnight.
Carter said travellers who had not been through the airport recently would notice significant changes as the $200 million terminal expansion continues.
“The investment is about creating more space, improving passenger flow and ensuring the airport can continue to meet growing demand into the future,” he said.
“While construction continues, some gates have moved, so passengers should allow a little extra time to familiarise themselves with the terminal.”
New dining and retail options have also opened, including Cafe Marketplace in August, along with a larger baggage carousel.
Travellers are urged to check flight details with their airline before leaving home, book parking online and allow extra time to get through security and find their gate.
In the north, Launceston Airport is forecasting around 66,000 travellers over the same period.
Chief executive Katie Cooper said the numbers showed “the continued strength of travel demand across Tasmania, despite some capacity constraints”.
“The school holidays are always a busy and exciting time for Launceston Airport, with thousands of people travelling to reconnect with family and friends or enjoy a holiday.”
She said Virgin Australia’s non-stop Adelaide service returns on October 6.
“The route will provide travellers with more choice and greater convenience, while strengthening connections between South Australia and northern Tasmania,” Cooper said.
Beyond the holidays, Qantas will run daily Hobart-Brisbane flights from October 25 until April 2027, adding more than 40,000 seats.
Seasonal services also return from late October, with Jetstar’s Hobart-Newcastle and Air New Zealand’s Hobart-Auckland routes both offering increased capacity.
