International flights to resume with direct flights from Hobart to New Zealand launching

International flights are set to begin operating out of Hobart Airport for the first time in more than 20 years, and New Zealand is the first destination on the departures board. ALL THE DETAILS >>

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INTERNATIONAL flights are set to begin operating out of Hobart Airport for the first time in more than 20 years.

In a move aimed at resparking tourism between Tasmania and New Zealand, three direct return flights per week are set to begin between the two jurisdictions from January under a joint $59m federal and state government investment.

The arrangement will see the implementation of about 30 Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police investigators and biosecurity officers at the airport.

The state government alone will invest $10 million, as part of a $17.5 million investment in partnership with the airport’s owners to upgrade the terminal’s infrastructure.

The trans-Tasman flights will remain in place for at least 12 months, with a review to take place in January 2022.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrives at Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

It’s estimated the flights will see bring about 30,000 international tourists to Tasmania next year.

It will be the first time since 1996 direct flights have operated between Hobart and New Zealand.

It is understood the direct Hobart flights will arrive in Auckland.

The return flights will reduce from three per week to two across the winter months.

Premier Peter Gutwein labelled the announcement a “sensational coup” that would have significant jobs benefit.

“2020 has been a challenging year. I invite New Zealanders to come to Tasmania and discover what makes this place so very special,” he said.

“This is a unique opportunity to travel between two extraordinary island destinations, and a terrific boost for local jobs across our tourism sector, including more jobs at our airport as we undertake upgrades in the coming weeks to accommodate international arrangements.”

Concerns were raised last month about the prospect of international flights operating out of Hobart Airport when no funding was announced in the Federal Budget for airport upgrades or border measures.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the pandemic might have set back the timetable for Hobart becoming an international airport but said it was “just going to mean more pent up demand for the best Tasmania has to offer”.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

He said new arrangement realised the vision set out in the Hobart City Deal and said it would be a significant jobs boost.

“This has been an incredibly tough year for Australians and particularly our tourism and hospitality sectors, but this deal will mean tourists from low-risk areas can come to sample Tasmania’s incredible experiences, sights and produce,” Mr Morrison said.

Earlier this year Tasmanian Senator and Assistant Tourism Minister Jonno Duniam said “we should throw everything, including the kitchen sink” at making Hobart airport an international term.

On Friday he declared the kitchen sink was thrown.

“For too long Tasmania has been compared with New Zealand, and now Tassie has the chance to prove that one island is better than two,” he said.

“Importantly, this is a giant leap towards Tasmania having a truly international airport, and gives the state an opportunity to prove it can be done with success.”

Mr Duniam said international flights commencing with New Zealand opened the door to Tasmania entering discussions for flights with other COVID-safe countries.