$130m Hobart Airport runway upgrade begins Stage 1 works

Major works to upgrade the Hobart Airport runway are now underway, paving the way for more tourists flying in and freight flying out of Tasmania. 

The $130 million runway upgrade is being delivered in three stages: 

• Stage One – upgrade of the northern end of the runway, around 829 metres 

• Stage Two – upgrade of the middle section of the runway, around 1,069 metres 

• Stage Three – upgrade of the southern end of the runway, around 829 metres 

Stage One is now underway, with works on the remaining two stages to be carried out sequentially until the upgrade is completed in mid-2025. 

“This is a highly technical project with hundreds of expert workers and specialist equipment involved. 

“They have a big job on their hands, to unlock direct access to the world for Tasmanian travellers and exporters, and all the opportunities that will come with that. 

“Right now, travellers will notice that things are looking a little bit different when they fly in or out of Hobart Airport. 

“We’ve worked closely with our overnight users to ensure alternate plans are in place to minimise any potential disruptions while this important work occurs. 

“Like all good things, this will take time, but we’re confident any short-term pain will lead to huge long-term gain for Tasmanians,” Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said. 

The upgrade will help strengthen the runway and enable it to accommodate larger aircraft – such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 – while opening opportunities for direct flights from Hobart to Asia and the Pacific. 

Other works will also include improving the airport’s taxiways, ground lighting, electrical systems and signage. 

Over the life of the project, more than 30,000 tonnes of asphalt will be removed and approximately 100,000 tonnes of new asphalt will be placed. 

“Upgrading the Hobart Airport runway will make a real difference to the economy of both the city of Hobart, as well as the state of Tasmania. 

“This will benefit tourists and exporters, with larger aircraft able to land at the airport, bringing in more tourists from further afield through an Asian hub. 

“The works are another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure which creates jobs and unlocks growth in our regional communities,” Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Earlier this year, Downer was appointed to undertake the project. Up to 140 workers from the company will be directly involved in the delivery of the upgrade, including locals and specialist airfield project managers and engineers flown in from across Australia. 

Furthermore, there will be about 50 vehicles, plant and equipment on site each day. This includes specialist equipment shipped specifically for the project such as an asphalt manufacturing plant, superpavers, pavement heaters and macro rollers. 

“You can rest assured that Downer is an expert in upgrading airport runways across the nation. We are a trusted partner for some of the largest airports across Australia and New Zealand, and we are committed to delivering the highest quality for Hobart Airport and the travelling public. 

“The early contractor involvement process implemented by Hobart Airport provided the opportunity for the joint project team to conduct thorough planning, assess risks, and ensure comprehensive mitigations and contingencies were in place before the work commenced. 

“Delivering works within displaced thresholds is core business for our specialised pavements and projects team. Our planning and construction methodology focuses on quality and safety while adhering to committed timeframes and minimising disruptions,” Downer General Manager for the Specialised Pavements and Projects business unit Simon Abrahams said. 

The Hobart Airport runway upgrade is a win for local producers as it allows products to be exported to international destinations faster and in better quality. 

The runway upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd, each contributing $60 million and $70 million respectively. 

“This upgrade is estimated to indirectly create more than 1,200 new jobs across the state, and is more proof of our Government’s sensible and measured investments which are paying real dividends for regions across Australia. 

“The upgrade will unlock more freight opportunities for Tasmania – which is already known for some of the best seafood, fresh produce, meats, dairy and wines. This means a huge boost for the local agriculture industry,” Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Hobart Airport (1, 2)