Wide-body aircraft can now fly directly from Hobart to destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore without mainland stops, following the completion of a $130 million runway update.
The newly strengthened Hobart Airport runway was officially opened on Tuesday, with federal ministers calling it a game-changer for Tasmania’s economy, tourism and agricultural exports.
Airport chief executive Norris Carter said he is hopeful more international airlines will start landing in Hobart “in the next few years”.
“We’ve been talking to airlines for a number of years now around the potential to fly to Hobart,” he said.
“They have been limited by the runway and that’s why we invested in this project. Now that we’ve built the runway, we’ve got that proof of concept that we actually are serious and can do it.”
The project took over 200,000 work hours, used 103,000 tonnes of asphalt and required 200 truckloads of concrete.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said the upgrade was crucial when the idea was first pitched to Labor in opposition in 2022.
“We felt really clearly that in order to help the Tasmanian economy get produce to market, make sure that the Antarctic flights could absolutely be secured, that investment was needed,” King said.
The federal government tipped in $60 million, with Hobart Airport funding the remaining $70 million.
Officials predict the runway will inject $122 million a year into the economy and create more than 1,200 new jobs across the state.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the extra international capacity will be a big win for local farmers and seafood exporters.
She said the upgrade will enable fresh produce, especially seafood, berries and fruit, to reach Asian destinations in premium condition.
“It means that they can get fresh produce faster, particularly to the Asian market, where they’re receiving premium prices for some of their product,” Collins said.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills said the upgrade marks a “step change” for the visitor economy, which employs one in six Tasmanians.
She said work is underway to get international flights from places like Hong Kong and Singapore “here as soon as possible”.
“The markets that are being looked at really do have an interest and demand in Tasmania. We know we have an incredibly strong brand,” she said.
“And the types of visitors that will be coming from some of these destinations, we’d be really eager to come, travel around our state, spend time in our state and spend money.”
Hobart Airport currently handles 2.8 million passengers a year, with Carter expecting that to rise to 3.5 million by 2030 as new international services take off.
Right now, only Air New Zealand flies direct to Hobart from Auckland during the peak summer season.
The runway upgrade comes alongside a $200 million terminal expansion that will double the airport’s capacity.
The new security screening area is set to open in early September, with the full terminal upgrade scheduled for completion by late 2027.
