Hobart Airport is bracing for its busiest fortnight on record, with 131,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal over the coming days.
The surge is being driven by a perfect storm of school holidays, AFL grand final weekend and the return of direct flights to Perth.
“We’ll have more travellers flying through the airport these school holidays than there are fans at the MCG on grand final day,” CEO Norris Carter said.
Between September 27 and October 12, the airport expects 2,500 more passengers than the same period last year.
This weekend alone will see more than 35,000 passengers, with the airport handling 66 flights daily – 14 more than usual.
Melbourne tops the destination list, with more than 200 flights scheduled in the first week alone.
The airport recently unveiled new security screening technology, which COO Matt Cocker said couldn’t have come at a better time.
“The new screening area has three lanes instead of two and includes new body scanners and CT bag x-rays,” he said.
“So travellers no longer have to unpack their laptops, devices or aerosols from their carry-on luggage, making security screening easier.”
The rush coincides with today’s relaunch of QantasLink’s direct Hobart–Perth service, operating three days a week.
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the route would add more than 30,000 seats each year.
“Not only will this contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry, the direct service will also offer more opportunities for Tasmanians working in the resource sectors,” she said.
The Perth flights also provide one-stop connections to London, Paris and Rome.
Carter urged passengers to arrive early and check in online to avoid delays.
He said passenger numbers are expected to remain high throughout the school holiday period.
