January 13, 2025

2024 one for the history books at Launceston Airport

Launceston Airport is celebrating its busiest calendar year on record with more than 1.4 million passengers making their way through the airport last year.

The addition of new routes and more direct services led to a total of 1,428,223 travellers from January through to December, which represents a four per cent increase on 2023 figures.

While passenger numbers soared, so too did freight, with almost 2000 freight movements across the year transporting millions of dollars of Tasmanian made products to high-value markets around the world.

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O'Hare said today's allocation of funds for aviation attraction by the state government would underpin future growth at the airport.

"I'd like to thank the state government for their unwavering support of aviation in this state," he said.

"Today's announcement will ensure Launceston Airport can competitively engage with domestic airlines to attract more vital connections for our passengers in what is a very competitive domestic market.

"The tourism industry brings billions of dollars into the state each year and supports tens of thousands of jobs which is why we've been strong advocates for the establishment of an aviation attraction fund and believe it is vital for Tasmania to compete with other states to attract aviation investment.

"As our 2024 figures show, we have an amazing platform of record-breaking passenger numbers to grow from and through partnering with our airlines, the Tasmanian government and Tourism Tasmania we look forward to breaking new records in 2025.

"Our 2024 figures show that despite cost-of-living pressures people are still finding room in their budgets for travel.

"As an island state, aviation provides many in our community an important connection to friends and family around Australia along with playing a vital role for Tasmanian producers to move high-value product quickly from pallet to plate.

For further information contact: Launceston Airport Media on (03) 9335 3666

Australia Pacific Airports (Launceston) acknowledges the First Nations people and Traditional Owners of Tasmania including the Land that Launceston Airport operates on. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all other First Nations People.