Hobart Airport Runway Upgrade Begins, Terminal Refresh Continues

Hobart Airport is undergoing a significant transformation, with a $200 million terminal redevelopment already in progress since February. The focus has now shifted to the runway, with Stage One of a $130 million runway strengthening project underway, and set to be delivered in three phases. Works completed in 2018 extended Hobart’s runway, allowing for larger aircraft to and from Asia and Antarctica to depart with strict weight restrictions.

Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter explained the development was a big job, but worthwhile to unlock direct access to the world for Tasmanian travellers and exporters.

“Right now, travellers will notice that things are looking a little bit different … be assured that there is still plenty of runway for safe landings and take-offs, this just ensures we have a safe construction zone.”

The extensive project will replace over 30,000 tonnes of old asphalt with approximately 100,000 tonnes of new material, paving the way for direct flights to Asian destinations such as Singapore and Shanghai. The upgrades will enable larger aircraft, including the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, to operate into Hobart at full capacity.

The redevelopment is being carried out by a team of around 140 workers from Downer, including locals and specialist airfield project managers and engineers who have flown in from across the country.

Downer National Manager Simon Abrahams claims the company is an “expert in upgrading airport runways across the nation,” adding that “works within displaced thresholds is core business for our specialised pavements and projects team.”

Although, a contractor working on the project, who preferred to remain anonymous, tells Flight Hacks that the development is currently “At least six weeks behind schedule”.

“Part of the taxiway was laid incorrectly by previous contractors … then we had to reinstall runway lighting, as the initial plans were drawn wrong,” they add.

Despite these setbacks, Hobart Airport anticipates that the runway upgrade will be completed by mid-2025. For a single-runway airport remaining open during construction, a nine-month delivery is quite impressive.

Hobart Airport Runway Upgrade Outline;

• Northern end around 829 metres with works from September to December 2024
• Middle section around 1069 metres with works from October 2024 to early 2025.
• Southern end around 829 metres, with works from the first half of 2025 to mid-2025

During Stage One, the runway has been temporarily shortened, with similar reductions expected during Stage Three. The complex middle section will introduce nightly flight curfews, with Hobart Airport closing after the last flight lands. During these closures, 80-metre-wide sections of the runway will be strengthened, with the airport reopened before the first flight departs the following morning.

Hobart Airport Continues Terminal Upgrade

Hobart Airport is already delivering on building a transport hub that locals can truly take pride in. The current terminal, designed for 1.5 million passengers per year, is already overwhelmed and handling approximately 2.6 million passengers annually. This sharp increase highlights the need for expansion, glaringly obvious when the security line stretches out the door during peak hours. Once inside, travellers are left scrambling for wooden benches like seagulls competing for scraps, unless they settle for sitting on the floor.

But that’s set to change, with the $200 million upgrade beginning in February 2024 under the management of Hutchinson Builders. The project aims to double the terminal’s size, with delivery expected by early 2027.

There will be two new departure gates, for a total of seven to match the number of aircraft parking bays at Hobart. A new third security lane is expected to house advanced CT scanners, so travellers won’t need to remove their laptops and liquids before passing through.

Four additional food outlets are also on the way, with Banjos Bakery and Hungry Jacks on the cards, alongside six new retail outlets with a wider range of products. For those with Qantas Status and not keen on the terminal, an all-new Hobart Qantas Club is set to boost seating capacity and dining options.

In terms of arrivals, Hobart Airport will add a third baggage carousel, but most importantly, an arrivals corridor allowing for easy access to baggage reclaim without navigating the departures area.

A newly designed pick-up and drop-off area has already been opened, with one seamless zone for rideshare services, taxis, buses and loved ones. Also delivered is a new terminal car park covered by shade cloth, and an EV Valet option, so travellers can pick up their electric vehicle at full charge.