A $200 million upgrade to the Hobart Airport terminal, slated for completion in early 2027, has officially begun.
Hutchinson Builders have been awarded the contract to expand the facility, promising additional space, expanded food and retail options and increased aircraft capacity within the revamped terminal.
Originally designed to accommodate 1.5 million passengers annually, the terminal currently handles 2.6 million, a figure Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter expects to rise to 3.5 million by 2030.
He said the expansion of Hobart Airport’s terminal from 12,000 to 23,000 square metres could “not come a day too soon”.
The upgrade will increase the number of departure gates from five to seven, add a third security screening lane and a third baggage carousel.
More seating and queuing space for both domestic and international flights will also be key features of the project.
“All of which will provide a more comfortable experience for travellers,” Carter said.
“There will also be four more food and six more retail outlets with a wider range of products to choose from.”
The project is expected to create 450 jobs during construction and more opportunities post-completion.
The federal government has pledged $60 million for a runway upgrade to attract more international flights and enhance Hobart’s role as the gateway to Antarctica.
