Big plans for Hobart international Airport

Locals snigger a little at the name Hobart International Airport. The joke is that there are no international flights either to, or from Tasmania. 

All that is about to change, however, as Brand Tasmania announced on its website.

Hobart Airport is expecting three million passengers a year by 2022 and the airport's chief executive, Sarah Renner, believes there will be direct flights from Asia and New Zealand by 2022. She also has plans to also target flights from the Americas.

A direct link to Hong Kong is firmly on the radar after visits to China's gateway by a delegation from Hobart Airport and the State Government.

Direct flights from other Asian cities are also on the drawing board following the official opening of a 500-metre runway extension in February, although the departures lounge is still far too crowded despite a recent upgrade and the lack of air bridges is of concern in a destination that can be cold and wet in winter. 

The runway has been extended from 2,224 metres to 2,724 metres; turning nodes have been relocated and expanded to allow larger and heavier aircraft to use the runway.

The project has three primary goals: opening direct export routes between Tasmania and Asia to service seafood and other fresh-produce markets; fuelling tourism; and cementing Tasmania’s position as an Antarctic gateway by increasing aviation capability.

Renner said: “The extension will immediately increase our reach as an airport, enabling direct flights from Hobart to South-East Asia, as an example, and will also enhance Hobart’s role as a gateway to the Antarctic.

“The runway extension will now allow large, fully loaded aircraft to travel directly from Hobart to the ice continent, making Hobart an extremely competitive Antarctic gateway.

Other recent changes at the airport include the relocation of security screening systems, an expanded (still too small) terminal, front of house developments and the installation of new airfield lighting systems.

Domestic flights have surged, including direct Jetstar flights from Hobart to Adelaide, direct Tiger Air flights from Hobart to the Gold Coast and more seats on QantasLink planes flying between Hobart and Sydney and Melbourne.