Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committing $5.15 million in the 2020-21 State Budget towards the expansion of the Launceston Airport departures and arrivals terminals.
The total cost of the combined projects at the Launceston Airport is $10.3 million, with the airport contributing the remaining funds.
What we’re doing here is setting up the airport for a big, positive future for locals and visitors alike. At the same time, stimulating the Northern economy and further jobs.
These changes will see improvements across the airport, including a larger and more contemporary arrivals experience, improved passenger security screening and a larger departures and check-in facility to accommodate the latest industry changes.
Our contribution will also contribute to the development cost of a new air freight cargo facility at the airport to service increased air freight movement and to better support Tasmania’s live seafood, agriculture and general freight movements to both domestic and international markets.
The Launceston Airport has been growing significantly in the past few years, with flights and passenger numbers increasing, and this terminal expansion will accommodate convenient passenger flows during arrival and departure. It will also increase capacity to service forecast growth in passenger traffic over the next eight years, which is expected to reach around 1.9 million passengers per year.
The Launceston Airport has taken a massive hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has provided significant relief to multiple customers that normally operate from the airport precinct. This relief has ensured many of the companies and jobs operating on the precinct can continue as the airport resumes operations post-COVID-19.
The construction and procurement will focus on local Tasmanian businesses.
The Launceston Airport is Tasmania’s primary northern aviation gateway and will remain a vital part of our tourism sector, bringing visitors in and out of our state as we recover and rebuild a stronger Tasmania.
