Details of the Hobart airport expansion plans revealed

UPDATED: Hobart Airport has revealed more details of its expansion project with more self-service kiosks and bag drop points and more security screening lanes. But there is still one thing missing.

MORE self-service kiosks and bag drop points, more security screening lanes, but still no aerobridges — Hobart Airport has revealed more details of its expansion project.

The more than $200 million plan, which will double the footprint of the current terminal, is expected to take place in three stages over the next 11 years.

The $100 million first stage of the plan — to begin in December and be completed by December 2020 — will expand the departures lounge and facilities, and improve airline lounges and passenger screening facilities.

A mezzanine level will house the airline lounges and border agency support facilities.

It will also include the construction of a “swing” gate capable of providing for international processing facilities.

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The final two stages are expected to be completed by 2030 and will deliver increased baggage processing facilities and further retail and food and beverage offerings.

Released this morning, the preliminary draft major development plan outlines specific details, including:

*All departing passengers will pass through the existing check-in hall, which will be fitted with additional self-service kiosks and bag drop points to handle the increased traffic.

*Some of the existing check-in counters will be replaced with automated bag drop points “to increase processing speed and volume.”

*The existing security screening point will be expanded from two lanes to four.

*The domestic departure lounge will be extended to the east for increased capacity and will also feature extra retail outlets and new boarding zones.

*The ‘swing gate’ will use doors and operable walls to separate domestic and international passengers and aims to avoid duplication of facilities.

*Arriving international passengers will enter the terminal through a separate international arrivals corridor.

Hobart Airport CEO Sarah Renner and operations manager Matt Cocker. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

Chief operating officer Matt Cocker said the airport was currently in talks with potential international carriers, with an aim to have them coming to Tasmanian “as soon as possible.”

Mr Cocker said aerobridges were not in the expansion designs at this stage.

“But we’re talking with our airlines partners regarding alternative boarding solutions, which may include aviramp-type solutions,” he said.

An aviramp is a mobile bridge with gentle slopes rather than stairs.

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The airport spent $4.5 million on an upgrade of its departures area last year including 170 additional seats, a refurbished bar and cafe, new food and beverage options, a children’s play area and renovated amenities in the main departures area.

Hobart Airport has revealed more details of its expansion project. Picture: SUPPLIED

More than four million passengers a year are expected to pass through the airport by 2030.

The construction phase of the expansion project is expected to create up to 120 jobs.

The airport will run a series of information sessions on the expansion and has called for public submissions.

To make a submissions, visit https://development.hobartairport.com.au

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