Hobart Airport forced to upsize its expansion amid ‘unprecedented’ growth in passenger numbers

RECORD numbers of flights and inbound tourists at Hobart International Airport have forced a rethink of its $25 million terminal redevelopment and contributed to its delay.

Hobart International Airport management is revisiting its redevelopment plans to accommodate the “unprecedented growth’’ in passenger numbers into and out of the airport. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

RECORD numbers of flights and inbound tourists at Hobart International Airport have forced a rethink of its $25 million terminal redevelopment and contributed to its delay.

The airport’s new departure area, initially scheduled to be completed this year, is yet to go out to tender.

And the airport is now revisiting its redevelopment plans to accommodate the “unprecedented growth’’ experienced since the design was first approved.

This follows recent announcements including imminent direct Jetstar flights from Hobart to Adelaide, direct Tiger­air flights from Hobart to the Gold Coast and more seats on Qantas aircraft flying between Hobart and Sydney and Melbourne.

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The upgraded terminal building at Hobart International Airport.

It is understood the passenger boom has triggered a departure hall design rethink that has also stretched contractual talks with the airlines involving their financial contribution.

“This is a complex redevelopment, compounded by an unprecedented growth in the numbers of the travelling public as well as balancing the need to continue to operate the airport while undertaking these works,’’ a Hobart International Airport spokesman said.

“We anticipate this fantastic growth will continue into the future, and so have taken the opportunity to revisit our terminal plans, mindful of our forecasted demand, and are continuing to negotiate these plans with our airline partners.

“Our aim is to provide sufficient space and facilities to provide for this ever-growing demand.’’

Check-in queues in the airport’s upgraded terminal.

The spokesman said the airport had recorded a 34 per cent increase in passenger numbers since 2012, which had “exceeded expectations’’.

Redevelopment delays now mean special measures are needed at the airport this peak season.

“With this in mind, Hobart airport is making arrangements to ensure that the departures hall and southern arrivals area can cope with demand over the busy summer period,’’ the spokesman said.

“These arrangements will roll out over the coming weeks and ensure there is enough space to cope with capacity, while also allowing for the actual redevelopment to occur.

“The redevelopment of this area is the final part of a seven-year, $100 million investment in Hobart airport, which has seen an extensive redevelopment of the facility as well as the extension of the runway. Our intention has been to complete the redevelopment by the first half of 2018 and we are still on track to achieve this.’’