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Hobart Airport has marked a new December record for passenger movements as its infrastructure works continue.
The airport recorded 277,000 passengers last month, up from a pre-COVID-19 December high of 271,154 in 2019. According to Hobart Airport chief operating officer Matt Cocker, January figures are also looking positive.
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“That’s an increase of around 6,000 passengers and more than a two per cent jump on our previous December record set five years ago,” he said.
“The record breaking looks set to continue across January too, with the first week alone putting us in good stead for consecutive records.
“Across the traditional peak period from December 20 to January 6, we’ve exceeded 180,000 passengers. That’s well above last year’s figures of 165,454 passengers, and has smashed the previous record of 174,985 set in 2019/20.”
The news comes as Hobart continues its $130 million runway upgrades, which are being carried out in three stages and 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. Works are expected to complete this year. Night works have now restarted on the runway after a temporary shutdown over the summer, with closures back in place from 10pm to 6am.
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.
“We’re really proud to have hit these new heights while at the same time delivering on two major infrastructure projects – with our $200 million terminal expansion and the $130 million runway upgrades in full swing,” Cocker said.
“I also want to thank travellers, our staff and volunteers for doing everything they can to ensure everyone’s holidays started and ended with smooth arrivals and departures.”
Hobart in April last year 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.
