Launceston Airport is nearing the completion of the first phase of its 10-year plan to revitalise the airport.
After welcoming more than one and a half times as many visitors as the last financial year, levels on par with
pre-pandemic numbers, the airport will soon open new facilities to the public.
An expanded check-in hall and security screening point will open on August 29, doubling the current size of the terminal.
Launceston Airport Chief Executive Officer Shane O’Hare hopes the airport will soon become the ‘leading airport in regional Australia’.
“This gives us significant growth for the terminal and will also provide a first-class, leading-edge facility for our travellers coming through the airport,” he said.
“It’s part of a total terminal redevelopment over the next five years or so.”
O’Hare said the redevelopment will ensure the airport is ready for future expected growth in both domestic and international tourism markets.
“We’ve seen the passenger numbers and tourism numbers surge back with up to 3.8 billion dollars worth of Tourism spend here in the state alone, O’Hare said.
“Every passenger that comes here represents strong economic growth for the state.”
The airport boss also hinted at potential new routes to Northern Tasmania by the end of the year.
Currently home to Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar and Sharp routes, discussions are reportedly underway with Bonza and Rex about potentially operating at the airport.
Announcements about expanded networks and plans for the upcoming northern winter schedule are expected in the next few months.
