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Hobart Airport has embarked on the first stage of its runway upgrade project.
The $130 million upgrades, which will be carried out in three stages, will strengthen 829 metres of runway to accommodate larger jet aircraft. Stage one will see the northern end of the runway upgraded, with stage two upgrading the middle and stage three the southern end.
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Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said there may be some disruptions ahead as construction temporarily shortens the runway, with more than 30,000 tonnes of old asphalt to be ripped up in total and replaced with 100,000 new tonnes; taxiways, lighting, electrical systems, and signs will also be improved.
“Stage Two works on the middle of the runway are scheduled to start in October. This will include temporarily closing the runway each night after the last flight lands, upgrading an approximately 80-metre-wide strip, and then reopening it before the first flight departs,” Norris said.
“We’ve worked closely with our overnight users to ensure alternate plans are in place to minimise any potential disruptions while this important work occurs.
“Like all good things, this will take time, but we’re confident any short-term pain will lead to huge long-term gains for Tasmanians.”
Speaking at a press conference at Hobart Airport, Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the works will allow large wide-body jets such as the 787 and A350 to land at Hobart Airport, with passenger numbers expected to grow dramatically in coming decades.
“We know that the expected passenger growth through this airport well out into the 2040s, is over 5.5 million passengers. That’s a huge increase, and being able to actually bring those bigger, larger code-E international planes into the airport really will make a significant difference,” Minister King said.
“More importantly than bringing passengers and tourists in, really, it’s about freight – that beautiful produce that only Tasmania produces here. Your cherries, your berries, your apples, your beautiful spirits as well. An incredible opportunity to take those particularly to the world.”
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.
The runway works are expected to be completed in 2025.
