Passenger numbers surge at Launceston Airport with busiest month on record

LAUNCESTON Airport recorded its busiest month on record in January with almost 134,000 passengers.

LAUNCESTON Airport recorded its busiest month on record in January with almost 134,000 passengers.

Passenger numbers grew 3 per cent passenger for the third quarter, with events such as AFL games at Aurora Stadium and the V8 Supercars at Symmons Plains drawing interstate passengers.

Launceston Airport general manager Paul Hodgen said the airport was investing in its facilities to manage the continued passenger growth.

“Increased tourist numbers to Tasmania are continuing to drive growth in passengers at Launceston Airport,” he said.

“Events such as AFL matches and the V8 Supercars are great drawcards and I’d encourage the State Government to continue to support such events.

“Together with tourism, aviation plays an important role in driving the Tasmanian economy by bringing people to our wonderful state and major events. Our third-quarter growth is a great example of this, as we still had solid passenger growth.

“We were also pleased to have our busiest month on record during the quarter. In January, we had 133,946 passengers come through the airport, which is 5 per cent more than our last record month in January 2013.”

Mr Hodgen said the airport was in the process of being upgraded.

“We’re building a new entrance to the airport and also adding a new road that will link directly to the roundabout on Evandale Road. We’ll also introduce a new waiting area for coaches and taxis to improve the flow of traffic in the forecourt area.”

“And in response to growing demand, we’re building new car parking areas, including for the first time an undercover car park.”

Construction is being undertaken by local company Shaw Contracting and is expected to be completed late this year.