On the back of its busiest-ever month in January, Launceston Airport has revealed plans for its biggest terminal upgrade in nearly two decades.
The multi-million-dollar transformation will see the departures hall expanded, offering more seating, refreshed amenities, fast wi-fi, and additional charging points.
Three new venues will also open later this year, with Gatty’s Bar and Kitchen (named after Tasmanian aviation pioneer Harold Gatty), Kanamaluka Café (inspired by the Aboriginal word for Tamar River) and local favourite Liv Eat bringing a taste of Tasmania to the airport.
An expanded Launceston Store will further showcase the region’s renowned food and wine.
Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare said the upgrade will create a more immersive and comfortable experience for travellers, while capturing the region’s essence.
“Launceston Airport has been Tasmania’s tourism gateway for 94 years and as we embark on an ambitious vision for the future it’s important that we celebrate and embrace the incredible history of this airport,” he said.
“This will be the biggest renovation of our terminal in almost 20 years and marks a new chapter in Launceston Airport’s history.
“These works, blending modern infrastructure design elements that capture our unique Tasmanian identity, are another step towards a complete terminal redevelopment which began with our $14 million check-in hall and security screening project and will continue next year in our arrival’s hall.”
“When finished this will be a truly world class departures experience, we thank passengers for their patience and understanding while we undertake this work.”
Dominic Cain, Regional Managing Director of SSP, which partnered with the hub on its new dining experiences, says the company is excited to deliver a world-class hospitality experience that highlights the best of Tasmania.
“These new venues will ensure every traveller gets a true taste of Tasmania before they depart,” he remarked.
“Our partnership with Launceston Airport is built on a shared vision – to create an airport experience that is welcoming, memorable, and reflective of the region’s unique identity. This redevelopment is a testament to that commitment.
“Gatty’s Bar and Kitchen, Kanamaluka, and Liv Eat have been carefully selected to not only offer outstanding hospitality but also support and showcase Tasmania’s incredible local producers, ensuring that travellers experience the region’s best from the moment they arrive at the airport.”
The upgrade announcement comes just after Launceston Airport, Australia’s 13th busiest air hub, revealed that it experienced its busiest-ever month in January 2025.
The record 159,032 passengers who made their way through the airport eclipsed the previous record of 150,189 set in January 2019.
“We are investing more than $100 million over the next five years to upgrade infrastructure in the terminals and on the airfield to accommodate our growing passenger numbers at the same time as enabling our airlines partners to expand,” O’Hare stated.
“These results highlight the demand for tourism in the state and also the desire for more direct connections to the mainland, with strong two-way demand and average load factors on seasonal direct services frequently exceeding 90 per cent.
“In the last five years we’ve transitioned out of a pandemic and into one of the biggest growth periods in the airport’s history which is an incredible achievement and one which positions us as one of the best performing airports in the country.”
For more info, visit launcestonairport.com.au.
