Take-off for Hobart Airport’s multi-million dollar facelift

Hobart airport has put the finishing touches on its departures terminal revamp, with plenty of updated features.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chairman Daniel Leesong and Hobart Airport general manager of operations and corporate affairs Matt Cocker at the newly refurbished airport terminal complex. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

HOBART Airport has put the finishing touches to its $4.5 million departures terminal revamp, which has seen 170 additional seats and new food and drink facilities.

The upgrade, which took almost four months to complete, was finished on Sunday, just days before the start of the busiest time of the year for interstate travellers.

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Hobart Airport operations general manager Matt Cocker said an extra 20,000 passengers were expected through the terminal over the holiday period, up four per cent on the same time last year.

“This is the busiest time of year for us, and we want to ensure we can continue to deliver an improved customer experience throughout the peak season,” he said.

The Hobart airport completes its multi-million dollar refurbishment in time for Christmas, including the new check-in area. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Mr Cocker said passengers would benefit from the increased seating capacity — a large number of which were backless benches, snaking their way through the departure lounge.

“The feedback has been nothing but positive,” he said.

“We see the changes as the best utilisation of existing space.

“We are confident this refresh will make travelling over the holidays more comfortable for Tasmanians and visitors to our state.”

Hobart airport’s new departure lounge. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

A green wall is a new fixture at Hobart airport’s new departure lounge. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Mr Cocker wouldn’t reveal the extent of any future developments but said talks were in place.

“We continue to work with our airline partners and the Federal Government on looking at developing the terminal to allow for expected tourism growth,” he said.

“It’s really important that our state’s infrastructure is reinvigorated ready for the next wave of tourism growth,” he said.

“As Tasmania grows as a tourism destination it’s fundamental that Hobart Airport has international capacity.

“We’re really excited to hopefully hear something on that in the near future.”

It’s expected around 520,000 people will pass through Hobart Airport over the holiday period.