Hobart Airport is gearing up for a potentially record-breaking January as holiday passenger traffic takes off for the festive season.
The airport is currently seeing an additional five to six inbound flights touching down daily from several airlines.
“And that’s just going to keep on increasing as the holiday season peaks,” CEO Norris Carter said.
“Across the festive peak of December 20 to January 6, we expect to welcome more than 184,000 travellers to our airport. That’s an increase of 11,000 travellers compared with last year.”
December 23 is forecast to be the busiest day, with around 11,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal.
The airport’s peak weekend is expected to land between January 4 and 6, with 34,500 travellers booked to fly and more than 290,000 for the entire month.
“There’s nothing like the pure joy of seeing visitors excited for the adventures ahead and families reunited for Christmas and New Year,” Carter said.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure your holidays get off to a good start, with extra staff and volunteers on board to help wherever we can.”
Festive touches around the terminal include live entertainment and a colouring competition to keep junior passengers entertained before boarding.
Those jetting off are advised to expect the airport to be busy, to allow extra time for check-in and boarding and be patient with airline and airport staff.
