Hobart Airport to carry out a $130m runway upgrade, creating 197 construction jobs

Hobart Airport will see a major upgrade to expand its runway to ultimately allow larger aircraft to land at the airport and expand its operational lifespan well into the future. 

Tasmania is currently the only state or territory in Australia without a runway strong enough to allow for wide-body aircraft operations. By upgrading Hobart Airport’s runway, larger aircraft such as the Boeing 787 or the Airbus A350 can start operating at the airport. 

The $130 million Hobart Airport Runway Upgrade Project is jointly funded by $60 million from the Federal Government and $70 million from Hobart International Airport Pty Limited. 

“This is one of the most significant projects in the Airport’s 60-year history, both in terms of investment and opportunity. 

“The combined $130 million investment will pave the way for a trifecta of opportunities across tourism, trade and the Antarctic,” Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said. 

“We’ve seen passenger numbers grow from 900,000 to over 2 million per year from 1998 to 2020. And by 2042, more than 5.5 million passengers are forecast to pass through Hobart Airport, 350,000 of which will be from direct international destinations. 

“This will support remarkable benefits for our tourism and local businesses, which is why our Government is tipping $60 million for this upgrade to ensure Hobart Airport is up to meeting this growth task,” Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell said. 

The project will include upgrading the runway, taxis and apron along with aeronautical ground lighting and electrical systems reform. 

Construction will commence in July this year and be completed by March 2025. Hobart Airport also announced that Downer will be delivering the project. 

“Our approach to constructing the works draw upon Downer’s extensive experience in delivering airfield projects, minimising disruption and ensuring the safety of aircraft and the travelling public. 

“We’re proud to be involved with this project which will have such a positive economic impact on the state,” Downer Executive General Manager Stuart Billing said. 

“Growing the capacity at Hobart Airport and improving flight safety with new lighting will be a boost for local businesses and tourism in Tasmania. 

“This is a project for Tasmania’s future, ensuring contemporary and future needs are met for our growing state,” Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown said. 

This upgrade is expected to create 197 full-time equivalent jobs during its construction phase and up to 1,261 indirect jobs across Tasmania over the life of the upgraded runway. This project is also anticipated to provide an annual economic boost of $122 million. 

Once up and running, the upgraded runway will allow Hobart Airport to service long-distance freight and wide-body international passenger flights as well as support direct flights to Asia for the first time and increase capability as Australia’s Antarctic gateway. 

Furthermore, the upgrade will open opportunities for Tasmanians to travel one-stop to Asia and Europe, removing the need for mainland stopovers. 

“I’m thrilled to announce $60 million in Australian Government funding towards the Hobart Airport Runway Upgrade Project. 

“Once complete, this much-needed upgrade will enable direct flights between Hobart and Asia, bringing in additional visitors and tourism spending to Tasmania. 

“Direct Hobart to Asia routes will also allow exports to reach their destination faster, in better quality, greatly benefiting Tasmanian businesses and producers – particularly the fresh produce sector,” Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

“This vital upgrade will further increase Hobart’s infrastructure capabilities as Australia’s Antarctic gateway, helping to retain and grow economic activity from the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sectors in Tasmania. 

“It will also provide a welcome jobs boon for our region and transport industry, with nearly 200 construction jobs and a further 1,261 ongoing jobs across Tassie set to be created thanks to the upgraded runway,” Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Hobart Airport