Over 175,000 travellers are booked to pass through the Hobart Airport terminal this festive season, as airport bosses warn of potentially lengthy delays.
Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said the airport is “about to get really busy” and strongly encouraged passengers to arrive at the airport at least an hour and a half to two hours before their scheduled flight.
“Almost every single day from 22 December to 7 January we’ll welcome more than 10,000 passengers to the terminal,” Carter says.
“To help make all travellers’ experience stress free, we’ve put on extra staff and volunteers who are ready to assist people moving through the airport.”
Hundreds of flights from across Australia with airlines Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar and Rex will land in the state this Christmas, as well as several Air New Zealand international flights from Auckland.
Airport Chief Operating Officer Matt Cocker asked travellers to ‘be patient’ and to ‘pack their manners’.
“There will be probably some delays getting through security screening, we make no apology for that,” Cocker said.
“We want to do the best that we possibly can and get the best safety outcome for everyone.”
In addition to the holiday travel rush, the airport will offer live music, Meet the Maker events, festive DJs and children’s entertainment on some days.
Shops within the terminal will also remain open, providing last-minute options for Tasmanian Christmas gifts.
