Launceston Airport welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s reconnecting plan

Launceston Airport is ready to welcome more flights and visitors from 15 December, when the state reopens to Victoria and New South Wales.

Under the Tasmanian Government’s reconnecting Tasmania plan, fully vaccinated visitors can fly into the state without having to quarantine ahead of Christmas.

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare said the announcement would allow passengers to plan and book trips with confidence from December onwards.

“Each year around 90 per cent of people visiting Tasmania arrive by air”, he said.

“Flying is a crucial part of what keeps us connected to the mainland, and to the people we love, so today’s border announcement is significant for the community and for all of the businesses that rely on frequent flights to other major cities.”

“Victoria and New South Wales represent our busiest markets and having them return is a huge step towards normality.

“We have hundreds of airport workers that will benefit from the added capacity, and I’m sure they will be thrilled with the news that passenger volumes will increase significantly over the summer holiday period.

“Launceston Airport is experiencing some of its strongest growth on record thanks to new non-stop routes linking the region to Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

“Reopening to Victoria and New South Wales is the final piece of the puzzle needed to re-join the rest of the country, putting an end to the isolation while reviving our local economy.

“I want to thank Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein and Director of Public Health Mark Veitch, along with their teams, for showing leadership throughout the pandemic, for keeping Tasmanians safe and for reopening at the right time.

“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank the Launceston Airport team and the broader workforce that make up our airport community who have supported us during the last 18 months.”