In its 2020-21 State Budget, the Tasmanian Government is allocating 5.15 million to expand the Launceston Airport departures and arrivals terminals.
The total cost of the combined projects at the Launceston Airport is $10.3 million, with the airport contributing the remaining funds.
The Tasmanian Government said the expansion is expected to prepare the airport for a big future, as well as stimulating the local economy.
These changes will see improvements across the airport, including a larger and more contemporary arrivals experience, improved passenger security screening and a larger departure and check-in facility to accommodate the latest industry changes.
The Tasmanian Government said its funding will also contribute to the development cost of a new air freight cargo facility at the airport to service increased air freight movement and to better support Tasmania’s live seafood, agriculture and general freight movements to both domestic and international markets.
The Launceston Airport has been growing significantly in the past few years, with flights and passenger numbers increasing, and this terminal expansion will accommodate convenient passenger flows during arrival and departure.
It will also increase capacity to service forecast growth in passenger traffic over the next eight years, which is expected to reach around 1.9 million passengers per year.
The Launceston Airport has taken a massive hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it has provided significant relief to multiple customers that normally operate from the airport precinct.
According to the Tasmanian Government, this relief has ensured many of the companies and jobs operating on the precinct can continue as the airport resumes operations post-COVID-19.
The construction and procurement will focus on local Tasmanian businesses.
