Jetsetters can now enjoy a new outdoor space at Hobart Airport

Construction clutter will no longer be the first thing to greet you as you arrive at Hobart Airport. See the makeover >

Soon passengers and airport users will have access to a new outdoor coffee area and sitting. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Travellers will no longer be greeted with construction clutter as they arrive at Hobart Airport.

On Friday a new entrance way was unveiled, equipped with new seating areas and a ‘Crate Café’ providing coffees and toasties for tired and hungry travellers.

The semipermanent space located next to airport pick up and drop off areas will remain a feature of the airport until the redevelopment of the terminal facility is underway.

Employee of the Airport Saxon Fisher, said as a mum the space is both convenient and practical for her family of four.

“We normally check in and go straight to the playground so this will be great to let the kids run and play and let out all that energy in a safe space before they get on the plane,” she said.

“During the summer it will also be great to sit out here and have a coffee as we’ve previously only had one cafe inside the airport.”

Saxon Fisher with husband Michael Fisher and sons Peyton 5 and Brooks 2 were some of the airport staff and families trying out the new area. Soon passengers and airport users will have access to a new outdoor coffee area and sitting. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The construction of the forecourt forms part of Hobart Airport’s ‘master’ redevelopment plan which includes doubling the size of the terminal and significantly upgrading the runway for completion in 2026.

Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said the airport is pleased to be able to remove sections of the hoarding that originally ran along the front of the airport and make the entrance “a more pleasant place to be”.

“We are delighted to reveal this new area, as we get things ready for the expansion of the terminal and to build a new runway,” Mr Carter said.

“While it is only a small part of what we plan to do, it is an important step towards the greater redevelopment of the site.”

With the number of travellers coming through Hobart Airport projected to increase from 2.8 million in 2020 to 5.5 million by 2042, Ms Fisher said it a fantastic update for the airport.

“This will be their first experience of Tasmania for international and interstate travellers coming out the terminal so it’s great they step out into a beautiful space.”

Jimmy Dennett, Hannah Cantwell and Courtney Rowe airport staff trying out the new area and outdoor cafe. Soon passengers and airport users will have access to a new outdoor coffee area and sitting. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

In March, Mr Carter said the increase of international and interstate travellers is the reason the terminal will nearly double in size from 12,000 square metres to 23,000 square metres.

Mr Carter added the airport used Tasmanian products including local aggregate, sandstone pavers and plantings where possible in the construction of the new forecourt.