Airfield and Runway
Upgrading Hobart Airport’s airfield infrastructure, including strengthening its runway, is a vital step in supporting Tasmania’s future.
Hobart Airport operates on one runway which supports passenger, freight and Defence aircraft in and out of Tasmania. It is the major aviation gateway to the state and Australia’s gateway to Antarctica. The Airfield Upgrade Project (AUP) forms part of the current Master Plan, a 20 year outlook which includes a vision to deliver Code E aircraft operations for the state.
A stronger runway increases opportunities for Tasmania to better connect with the rest of the world, supporting the export of high quality local products and reaching tourism hubs in Asia, one-stop to Europe and beyond. This $130 million upgrade project is due to begin in July 2024, with national airport pavement specialists Downer awarded the successful tender for works. As part of the Hobart City Deal, the Federal Government committed $60 million in funding toward strengthening the runway.
We will continue to manage airport operations during this project. The works will take place on the airfield and travellers may see construction work and activity. This project includes a significant portion of night works, outside of the flight schedule.
Specific works will include:
- Rehabilitation of the runway
- Modifications to the existing taxiways including strengthening and shoulder widening, and
- Strengthening of apron parking bay to accommodate larger aircraft
