Launceston Airport has begun work on a $12 million expansion of its departure gates, adding a fifth gate and overhauling two existing ones.
The project will deliver a brand new Gate 5, a full refurbishment of Gates 3 and 4 and a 600-square-metre expansion of the gate area.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2028.
“This is a fantastic project for Launceston Airport that’s really going to transform the customer experience,” Launceston Airport CEO Katie Cooper said.
She said Gates 3 and 4 were currently “very congested” for passengers moving through to board.
“So we’re going to completely refurb those,” Cooper said.
The upgrade is the latest in a series of improvements to the airport’s departures experience.
It follows work on the check-in hall, security screening and departures hall over the past four years.
“By increasing capacity and improving the functionality of our departure gates, we’re creating the infrastructure needed to support more services and passengers which sets us and our region up for long term growth,” Cooper said.
She said the upgrade aligned with the airport’s ambition to become “Australia’s favourite regional airport” and would showcase local architecture and businesses.
Tasmanian construction firm Beardwood has been contracted to deliver the project.
Director Luke Beardwood said up to 50 people would work on site over the course of the build, including two to three apprentices.
“We understand the logistical challenges and the difficulties of working in a live environment like this and we take this seriously and we’re pretty keen to get ready to rock and roll,” he said.
The project is jointly funded by the airport, its airline partners and the state government.
