Launceston Airport has recorded its busiest financial year on record, with almost 1.5 million passengers passing through the terminal in 2025-26.
A total of 1,478,925 travellers flew in and out of the airport, a 3% increase on the previous year.
Monthly records were broken on eight occasions across the 12-month period, with January the standout at 160,791 passengers – the busiest single month in the airport’s history.
Link Airways’ launch of direct flights to Canberra in May also contributed to the figures, with the new route attracting solid demand.
Launceston Airport CEO Katie Cooper said the airport played a vital role in supporting Tasmanian tourism.
“More than 90% of travellers arrive into Tasmania via air and for a significant number of those Launceston Airport is their first and last impression of Tasmania,” she said.
“That’s why we’ve worked so hard across the year redeveloping our Departures Hall, to make sure the look, feel, taste and experience here at Launceston Airport is truly Tasmanian.”
Cooper said a busy airport had flow-on effects for the broader economy.
“A busy arrivals hall here translates to more feet on trails, more heads on pillows and more bums on seats at restaurants in our region and across the state,” she said.
“Our success is deeply intertwined with the states, with tourism contributing more than $4.5 billion to Tasmania’s GSP annually, supporting more than 50,000 jobs.”
She said the airport was preparing for further growth, with its Departures Gate project now underway.
Hobart Airport is also riding a wave of growth, with its most recent rolling 12-month passenger numbers topping 2.9 million for the first time, making Hobart the second fastest-growing airport in Australia for annual domestic passenger growth.
Hobart Airport Chief Operating Officer Matt Cocker said the growth reflected growing confidence from airlines and Tasmania’s rising appeal.
“This momentum reflects a combination of sustained demand, business events, confidence from airlines and Tasmania’s growing appeal year-round,” he said.
The airport’s major terminal upgrade, which aims to double the size of the terminal, is now more than one-third complete and tracking on time and on budget.
