Award-winning Australian airport still has nowhere to sit

The airport

Launceston Airport, Tasmania (LST)

A $14 million upgrade has doubled the check-in hall and upgraded the security facilities.

The flight

Jetstar JQ744 from Launceston to Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL).

The arrival

I’m travelling from Flinders Island in the Bass Strait to Melbourne via Launceston. My charter flight from Flinders Island arrives in the tiny coastal town of Bridport, and it’s a 60-minute drive to Launceston. The airport is 15 kilometres from Launceston and there’s no regular shuttle – the charmingly random Launceston Airport Shuttle Bus service service no longer operates – so it’s taxis or rideshares only. So, I stay on my transfer straight to the airport instead of hanging around town (also, Launny isn’t known for its vibrant Sunday evenings). I’m well ahead of my 9.30pm flight. There are about six seats in the check-in hall, all taken, everyone else is sitting on the floor. I join them. It’s not pretty.

The look

With 1.4 million passengers going through the airport in 2024, it’s high time for a reno of Tasmania’s second-busiest airport. Hoardings come and go, with the next lot going up ahead of its next refurbishment, so it’s looking a bit patched-up. However, once inside, the shops and gates are bright and airy, with loads of seating and Tasmanian produce on sale. The refurb of the 94-year-old terminal promises faster wifi and charging points, and more seating in the airside departures area.

Check-in

Launceston, Tasmania’s second-busiest airport.

I’m not the only one who arrived ahead of their flight – by the time Jetstar opens its check-in for Tullamarine, there’s a rush from those of us sprawled on the floor. Staff weigh our hand luggage before we check in our bags, and the process – with a real person because the new self-check-in stands aren’t yet working – is fast and pleasant.

Belatedly, I learn there are short-term luggage lockers outside, so I could have left my luggage in there, cleared security and waited in the airside cafe until check-in counters opened for my flight.

Security

The $14 million upgrade project has doubled the check-in hall and upgraded the security facilities to comply with Australian regulations. Today, most passengers seem to be hikers, with all the walking sticks, knives and other pointy paraphernalia we hikers accumulate in our packs, but security is fast and efficient.

Food + drink

I’m surprised to find a large, comfy booth near the bar, but the menu explains all. You can get a generic “south-eastern Australian” sparkling wine for $12 a glass, but have to pay another $4 for a glass of Tassie’s 42 Degrees South sparkling. At $16 for a small glass, that’s pretty pricey, even by regional airport standards. It’s also a missed opportunity to promote wine in a style in which Tasmania excels globally. However, wines aside, the beers and spirits all have a strong local showing. A flaccid vermicelli noodle and chicken salad sails past to another customer ($25.50), I opt for a bag of chips from The Launceston Store. Hopefully, the three new eateries promised under its upcoming transformation will lift the game, but not the prices.

The arrivals area has a Hudsons’ Coffee bus that provides the only food or drinks landside.

Retail therapy

The Launceston Store covers the airport basics, plus a few Tassie-centric extras.

You can’t miss The Launceston Store, with its green 1948 Austin A40 Devon ute parked out the front. Earmarked for expansion under the refurb program, it currently sells the usual newspapers, tech and bags of chips, but is also packed with Tassie treasures – Bridestowe lavender-stuffed bears are the must-buy for international visitors, and Tasmanian whiskys are also hot property.

Passing time

If you’re at a loose end at the airport Monday to Saturday, take a single malt whisky tasting or tour in Hangar 17, a former Ansett hanger. It’s not signposted or advertised anywhere I can see, launcestondistillery.com.au

The airport also has free Wi-Fi, to break the digital detox those of us not on Telstra have involuntarily endured during our Tassie stay.

The verdict

For an airport that was named Australia’s 2022 Airport of the Year in the inaugural Australian Aviation Awards, a few seats landside wouldn’t be remiss. Fingers crossed the redesign, by innovative local architects Cumulus, delivers seats, as well as style. After all, we can’t rest on the airport’s laurels alone.

Our rating out of five

★★★

The writer travelled as a guest of World Expeditions.