Media release – Michael Ferguson, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, 7 May 2023
Launceston Airport continues to land impressive passenger numbers
The Launceston Airport is the fifth busiest regional airport in Australia and is expected to grow passenger numbers to some 1.9 million by 2028 and around 2.5 million a year by 2040.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government has invested in the airport with $5.5 million towards a $10.3 million upgrading to the terminal building, improving security screening and redeveloping the check-in and arrivals hall,’’ Minister Ferguson said.
“The very strong growth in passenger numbers shows that the Tasmanian Government’s investment in the visitor economy is yielding dividends, supported by joint investment in key infrastructure to accommodate current and future growth around and within the airport.
“Once complete, this infrastructure will provide a greatly enhanced customer experience for passengers with improved road access, facilities and larger arrivals and departure waiting areas.
“Congratulations to the CEO of the Launceston Airport Shane O’Hare and the airport owners Australia Pacific Airports Limited for its commitment to this important Tasmanian infrastructure project.
“Importantly, the project will also include construction of a new freight handling facility which will increase the capacity of air freight operations, which supports Tasmanian exporters with the air freighting of high-value, time-sensitive produce to interstate and overseas markets.
“The Tasmanian Government has also supported the Launceston Airport with the jointly-funded $16.7 million duplication of Evandale Road from the airport to Breadalbane roundabout.
“Evandale Road is a key transport link in the Launceston region, providing the main gateway to the airport and access to the nearby TRANSlink Precinct.
“It connects the airport and industrial precinct with the Midland Highway and from there to Launceston and Hobart.
“The project involved widening a 1.8km section of Evandale Road to two lanes in each direction, installation of flexible safety barriers and upgrades at key intersections to help manage heavy vehicle and passenger vehicle movements in the precinct.’’
The Rockliff Liberal Government is proud to invest in important infrastructure to help support and grow our economy which in turn creates more jobs and allows us to invest in vital sectors like health, education, housing and cost-of-living relief.
