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Hobart Airport has opened a new location for commercial ground transport as it prepares to embark on a $200 million terminal upgrade.
A newly constructed double lane which opened on Tuesday will now host rideshare vehicles, taxis and SkyBuses. The new transport area comes ahead of the start of construction of Hobart’s upgraded terminal, which is expected to double its size.
“We are redeveloping our airport precinct which will allow for increased parking availability, improved road systems and to make space for the all-important doubling of the size of the terminal,” said Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter.
“From today, our commercial transport operators including taxis, Ubers and the SkyBus will have a new location just a short distance from their existing spot, and right next to the public pick-up and drop off lane.
“New wayfinding and advertising will also be rolled out to ensure the travelling public can easily find the location of their preferred commercial transport provider.”
Hobart’s terminal overhaul, breaking ground this year, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The current terminal was designed for 1.5 million passengers per year, and the planned upgrades will include an expanded domestic departures footprint; international processing for Code C and Code E aircraft operations; expanded retail, food and beverage; upgrades to baggage handling; capacity for enhanced security screening; and lounges for Qantas and other passengers.
“We’re very excited for the year ahead, and to commence the terminal upgrade that will meet the needs of the growing number of travellers arriving in Tasmania,” said Carter.
“As the major aviation gateway into Tasmania, we welcome around 2.5 million passengers a year and those numbers are only set to grow with an anticipated 3.5 million arrivals by 2030.”
The airport will also upgrade its runway, taxiway and apron for $90 million, supported by a $60 million Commonwealth government grant. Works completed in 2018 extended the main runway to 2,727m, allowing for larger aircraft to and from the Asia-Pacific and Antarctica, at $40 million.
Domestic services into Hobart received a boost in August last year with the arrival of Rex’s 737-800 flights from Melbourne.
