Upgrade delays push airport redevelopment back to 2019

HOBART airport’s $25 million terminal redevelopment completion date could blow out into next year, leaving it unfinished during another crucial peak tourist season.

Hobart Airport. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

HOBART airport’s $25 million terminal redevelopment completion date could blow out into next year, leaving it unfinished during another crucial peak tourist season.

The airport’s proposed new departure area, initially scheduled to be completed last year, is still in the concept design stage and seemingly some way from going out to tender.

A Hobart International Airport spokeswoman would not rule out yesterday the possibility the redevelopment could drag on until 2019.

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“The detailed program is currently being developed and we continue to work with all relevant parties on this,” the spokeswoman said.

She denied the redevelopment was being stalled by protracted negotiations with the airlines and talks involving their rejigged financial contribution.

“The airlines are very supportive, and we continue to have an open dialogue with them throughout the design process,” the spokeswoman said.

“We continue to plan for the future and develop the concept designs.”

Hobart Airport. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

The Mercury revealed last October that record numbers of flights and inbound tourists at the airport had forced a rethink of its terminal redevelopment.

The unprecedented growth involving a 34 per cent increase in passenger numbers since 2012 had meant the private operator had to revisit its departure hall plans, having already completed the new arrivals area.

This followed the announcement of 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. At the time the airport said its revised timeline to complete the terminal redevelopment was by mid-2018 and that it was “on track” to achieve this goal.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said the lack of certainty involving the terminal redevelopment was a growing concern, especially if the completion date was delayed into next year or beyond.

“We have got two [major] airports in the state — Launceston is regarded as one of the best regional airports in the country and Hobart is clearly not where it needs to be,” Mr Martin said.

“I find it hard to swallow the airport has undercooked their projected traffic numbers.

“What we want is a long-term plan for the airport.”