Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare, who saw airport through lows of Covid, resigns

The CEO of one of Tasmania’s major airports has resigned after leading the organisation through some of the toughest challenges in its history. WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE HIGH-FLYER >>>

Launceston Airport chief executive Shane O’Hare. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

It’s over and out for Launceston Airport chief executive officer Shane O’Hare, facing some of the lowest and busiest times the airport has ever encountered.

After almost four years on the job, he’s set his eyes on the land across the Tasman Sea.

Mr O’Hare will be taking up the role of CEO for Queenstown Airport in New Zealand.

While Mr O’Hare has lead the airport through the trials and tribulations of Covid and a post-Covid world, he also saw the airport through its history making milestone.

In January 2025, the airport hit their record with 159,032 passengers going through the northern gateway.

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O'Hare. Picture: Supplied.

At the time, Mr O’Hare said Launceston’s tourist attraction would just grow.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Mr O’Hare was incredibly passionate about the tourism in Tasmania, being on the board for Tourism Tasmania.

Launceston airport is in the midst of a $100 million upgrade, a five year plan to upgrade terminals and airfield to accommodate growing passenger numbers.

Mr O’Hare will remain on board for a few months while looking for a replacement.

Originally published as Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare, who saw airport through lows of Covid, resigns