Construction begins on $130m Hobart Airport runway upgrade

The first sod has been turned to signal the beginning of construction to upgrade Hobart Airport’s runway. 

The $130 million Runway Upgrade project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd, each contributing $60 million and $70 million respectively. 

This project will upgrade the runway, taxis and apron to make them fit for use by larger Code E aircraft such as Boeing 787s and Airbus 350s. 

“The turning of the first sod today will unearth great things for Tasmania. 

“This runway will pave the way for non-stop international flights between Tasmania and Asia and one-stop flights to Europe. 

“It’s a dream that is now fast becoming a reality, with work expected to be completed in mid-2025 and the first wide-body aircraft to touch soon after. 

“Our $70 million investment in the Runway Project and $200 million terminal redevelopment are all part of our plan to build a better Hobart Airport and make tomorrow’s Tasmania possible,” Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said. 

Scope of works of the upgrade include: 

• Rehabilitation of the central 18-metre runway structure to extend operational life by 12 years 

• Increasing load bearing capacity of RWY1230 and taxiways A and D 

• Modification of taxiways to accommodate Code E aircraft 

• Reconstruction of pavement to allow Code E multiple aircraft ramp system (Boeing 777-300) 

• Modification of taxiways D and F to allow for new Code E apron parking bay 

• Extension of taxiway J to A 

• Associated enabling works including: 

• • Aeronautical ground lighting (AGL) 

• • Upgrade to electrical systems as required 

• • Line marking 

• • Guidance signage 

• Optimised apron layout 

“Hobart Airport welcomes over 2.8 million passengers per year, and thanks to this runway upgrade, we are expecting that number to climb, boosting tourism and the local economy. 

“Direct Hobart to Asia routes will also allow exports to reach their destination faster, in better quality, greatly benefiting Tasmania’s world-famous businesses and producers – particularly the fresh produce sector,” Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

This upgrade will ultimately enable Hobart Airport to service long-distance freight and wide-body international flights while also supporting direct flights to Asia for the first time and increasing capability as Australia’s Antarctic gateway. 

Downer will deliver the upgrade, as previously announced by Hobart Airport. 

Project construction is due to be completed by May 2025. 

“It’s great to see work getting underway on this important election commitment that will unlock many opportunities for Tasmania. 

“This vital upgrade will further increase Hobart’s infrastructure capabilities as Australia’s Antarctic Gateway, helping support and grow economic activity from the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sectors in Tasmania. 

“It will also provide a welcome jobs boom for our region and transport industry, creating nearly 200 construction jobs and a further 1,261 ongoing jobs across Tassie,” Federal member for Franklin Julie Collins said. 

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