Hobart Airport has opened two new departure gates this week, the latest stage of a $200-million redevelopment that will double the size of its terminal, the airport says.
Passengers moving through Hobart Airport this week are the first to use two new departure gates, the next milestone in what the airport describes as the largest transformation in its history.
The $200-million project will roughly double the terminal’s footprint, with the work staged so the airport can keep operating throughout construction. The airport handles almost 3 million passengers a year, a figure forecast to reach 3.5 million by 2030.
For the travel trade, the expansion signals more capacity at the gateway to Tasmania, where visitor demand continues to underpin the state’s tourism economy.
What is changing in the terminal
Importantly, from next month, the current Departures area will temporarily close while construction on the terminal expansion continues. During that period, the airport will open additional interim gates and more seating.
New food and retail outlets will roll out progressively, including York Street Bar, Outbound Café and the return of the Coal River Café. Over the past nine months, passengers have already seen a new security screening area and new retail outlets.
Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said the redevelopment would deliver more than additional floor space.
“The redevelopment will double the size of the terminal, giving travellers more space, more choice of food and retail, and more jobs for Tasmanians,” Mr Carter said.
“With two new gates opening today, passengers can experience firsthand the next stage of the project, which is being carefully staged so we can remain fully operational while construction continues.”
Why the airport is expanding now
Carter said the staged approach meant passengers would see improvements throughout the project rather than waiting for a single completion date.
“What’s exciting isn’t just the new spaces — it’s what they represent. We’re building an airport that reflects Tasmania and is designed for the way people want to travel today and into the future,” he said.
He pointed to growth as the driver behind the investment.
“We already welcome more than four times our state’s population through the airport each year,” he said.
“This investment is about keeping up with that growth and delivering an airport that’s ready for Tasmania’s future. An airport that will support tourism, trade and community connection for decades to come.”
Who is building it
Hutchinson Builders State Manager Nick Silcox said around 150 local workers and contractors were on site each day, with the project tracking to schedule.
“This redevelopment is creating significant employment opportunities for Tasmanians, with around 150 local workers and contractors on-site every day, all playing a key role in delivering the project,” Mr Silcox said.
“We’re pleased to have reached this milestone on schedule, and we remain focused on delivering the next stages of the airport’s transformation safely and efficiently.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: Staging a major rebuild inside a live terminal is a balancing act, and the temporary Departures closure from next month is the part travellers will feel most. With Hobart tracking toward 3.5 million passengers by 2030, the capacity case writes itself.
