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Launceston Airport has commenced works on a new $5 million taxiway.
The new Taxiway Foxtrot, billed as Launceston’s “biggest airfield upgrade in more than 60 years”, is slated for completion in late spring ahead of the peak summer freight season. It will be able to accommodate heavier aircraft than current Boeing 737s, including the Airbus A321.
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“The works will require the excavation of more than 6000 cubic metres of material, enough to fill the Cataract Gorge outdoor swimming pool more than four times,” the airport said in a press release.
“More than 2,200 square metres of specialist concrete pavement – or ten full-sized tennis courts laid 400mm deep – will be required.”
According to Launceston Airport chief executive Shane O’Hare, the taxiway will “significantly improve the efficiency and scale of freight services through the airport, enabling local producers to reach more markets, more quickly”.
“This is a big milestone for our airport – it’s the first new airfield infrastructure constructed at Launceston Airport since the runway was extended in 1964,” he said.
“Launceston Airport is growing, and this development is just the beginning, with record passenger numbers and expanded freight capacity, we’re entering an exciting new phase in the airport’s evolution.”
The new taxiway comes as Launceston’s passenger numbers continue to climb – it marked its busiest-ever month in January 2025.
“We recorded our second busiest March ever last month, with 134,353 passengers passing through the airport and works are now well underway on our Departures Hall upgrades which will transform our passenger experience,” O’Hare said.
“Taxiway Foxtrot will not only improve operational resilience and efficiency, it will increase access to bigger aeroplanes carrying more high value produce into and out of this state, which is a huge win for our local economy.
“We’re proud to be working with industry leader Fulton Hogan to deliver this project, and we’re excited to see construction underway ahead of our peak summer freight season.”
The taxiway comes alongside Launceston’s terminal upgrade project, which will add three new food and beverage outlets and increase passenger amenities.
“As part of the project, the Departure Hall’s footprint will be expanded to increase the leisure space for travelling passengers,” the airport said in February.
“Three amenity blocks will undergo a complete refresh, and modern traveller conveniences such as fast Wi-Fi and charging points will be added in addition to more seating for passengers wanting to take in the airport’s spectacular views.”
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