This smashes the previous record of 754,597 passengers recorded in January to March 2019, before COVID hit, by close to 10,000.

It’s also a huge jump of 63,300 extra travellers more than the 701,103 passengers in the first quarter of 2023.

 

Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said the latest data had landed on the eve of one of the busiest periods for Hobart Airport, the school holidays.

“There’s no question that Tasmania is in hot demand, with a record-breaking number of passengers travelling through Hobart Airport in the three months to the end of March this year,” Mr Carter said.

“It’s a great thing for local hotels, restaurants, attractions, shops and the whole state.

“It’s clear that we’ve really hit our strides again as a must-see travel destination, and the airlines have responded with extra flights.

 

“This is why we’re investing $200 million to double the size of the terminal by 2027, with more seats, security screening, departure gates, baggage carousels, and food and retail outlets.”

The travel trend will continue across the upcoming school holidays, with the airlines adding seats from across the school holidays, right through to the ANZAC Day long weekend.

Mr Carter said Hobart Airport was expecting an additional 33,000 extra visitors through the terminal from Easter through to the end of April.

“This is a huge 12 per cent increase in travellers compared with the same busy holiday period last year, with around an extra 10 flights per day on the busiest days” Mr Carter said.

 

Hobart Airport is also set to see the return of direct flights from Auckland to Hobart in October after a 6-month hiatus.

 

With the state having welcomed 17,000 visitors from New Zealand last year, this new addition is sure to be a boon for Tasmania’s tourism industry and a welcomed convenience for our New Zealand delegates.

 

On top of this, those visiting from the US will be able to take advantage of the new route with one-stop connectivity to Tasmania via Auckland from major cities now available.