Hobart Airport is set to handle a record one million passenger seats this summer, marking the busiest season in the airport’s history.
The milestone represents an 11% increase on last year, with CEO Norris Carter describing it as “great news” for holidaymakers and for tourism and hospitality businesses welcoming visitors to the state.
The surge comes as Hobart claims the title of Australia’s second fastest-growing airport.
Much of the growth has been driven by new routes, including a direct Jetstar service to Newcastle, which will add 22,000 seats over summer.
Air New Zealand has added more than 20,000 seats on its Auckland route, while Qantas has returned to the Adelaide route with another 20,000.
Jetstar has also boosted Melbourne capacity with 50,000 extra seats.
The airport’s busiest days are expected to be December 26 and January 9, with more than 14,000 passengers passing through on each day across 84 flights.
“Always over the summer we say leave yourselves lots of time to get here,” Carter said.
A new three-lane security screening setup is expected to help ease queues, with passengers no longer required to unpack their bags.
Tourism Minister Jane Howlett said the influx of visitors would inject $3.6 billion into the Tasmanian economy.
“This is a huge confidence in Tasmania and in our state,” she said.
Major events, including the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, Taste of Summer, Festivale, Party in the Paddock and a Foo Fighters concert, are expected to draw crowds throughout the season.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Amy Hills said the figures pointed to a bright future for the state’s visitor economy.
“I truly believe we’re on the precipice of a new wave of tourism in Tasmania,” she said.
She highlighted the airport’s expansion plans, the arrival of two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries and the approval of the Macquarie Point stadium.
“Today’s news … really should give us a lot of confidence to move into the next decade,” she said.
While new international flights remain on the agenda, they are yet to materialise despite years of discussion.
Carter said airlines were interested but limited by aircraft availability.
Previous talks have flagged potential connections to Asian markets such as Singapore and Hong Kong, involving carriers including Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Cathay Pacific.
“We’re confident that within the next few years we should see some flights coming in,” Carter said.
The state government’s aviation investment fund has helped support new domestic routes, with any further funding to depend on business cases put forward by international carriers.
Hobart Airport’s busy summer period runs from December through to February.
