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Construction work has begun on Hobart Airport’s $130 million runway upgrade.
The project, supported by $60 million in federal government funding, will enable Hobart to handle international flights using wide-body aircraft such as the 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350.
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Currently, Tasmania is the only Australian state or territory without a runway that is strong enough for these services.
Transport Minister Catherine King said: “Hobart Airport welcomes over 2.8 million passengers per year, and thanks to this runway upgrade, we are expecting that number to climb, boosting tourism and the local economy.
“Direct Hobart to Asia routes will also allow exports to reach their destination faster, in better quality, greatly benefiting Tasmania’s world-famous businesses and producers – particularly the fresh produce sector.”
Aside from providing improved passenger services, the works will aid services to the Antarctic and include renewal of aeronautical ground lighting and electrical systems upgrades.
Construction is set to be complete by May 2025.
Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, said the development would grow economic activity from the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sectors in Tasmania.
“It will also provide a welcome jobs boom for our region and transport industry, creating nearly 200 construction jobs and a further 1,261 ongoing jobs across Tassie,” Collins said.
The runway upgrade is part of Hobart Airport’s master plan, which also includes $200 million to overhaul its terminal.
The current terminal was designed for 1.5 million passengers per year and currently handles 2.6 million, with forecasts of 3.5 million by 2030. The upgrade – to be carried out by Hutchinson Builders – will see the terminal double in size, with works expected to be completed by early 2027.
It comes after Hobart in April became one of the first major airports in Australia to surpass pre-pandemic levels, with more people travelling through the Tasmanian capital in the first three months of 2024 than any equivalent period in the airport’s history.
Only Air New Zealand flies international passenger services to Hobart, with its Auckland service slated to recommence in October.
