Airport has actionplan on NZ link

THE chief of Hobart Airport believes the facility can quickly accommodate requirements for international flights, amid a renewed push by governments for a travel bubble with New Zealand by this summer. Acting chief executive Matt Cocker said airport officials were in discussions with the Australian Border Force about that agency’s needs and were waiting on feedback.

It comes after Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam on Sunday promised to “throw everything, including the kitchen sink” at a Tasmania-NZ travel bubble ahead of summer, a critical time for the tourism sector. Hobart has not had direct flights to New Zealand for more than 20 years.

Mr Cocker explained the airport’s expansion plans had contemplated more permanent facilities allowing for international flights, but they had been delayed due to the COVID-19 fallout. However, he said talks involving the ABF and state and federal governments were ongoing about finding a temporary solution to potentially allow trans-Tasman travel by summer.

“We’re confident we can pull it together relatively quickly,’’ Mr Cocker said.

“It really is dependent on getting a quick turnaround from border agencies on what their requirements are … if it is not too onerous, we can do that.

“I think Tasmania has always been an attractive destination for domestic and international travellers … it would certainly be attractive to New Zealanders.”

MEANWHILE, a Canberra-based airline has announced it will start direct flights between Hobart and the nation’s capital from December.

Link Airways will run four weekly return services — on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday—between the destinations, with plans to expand to 11 weekly flights next year.

It will be the first time a direct flight to the capital has been offered to Tasmanians since2013.

The move is subject to Tasmanian border restrictions, which are in place until December 1, though Premier Peter Gutwein has flagged some could be lifted by the end of October.

The Hobart-Canberra flights are set to start on December 3, with one-way fares costing $219 now available to book.

Link Airways chief executive Andrew Major said detailed research had identified a strong demand for direct flights between Hobart and Canberra.

Mr Cocker welcomed the move and said the airport was keen to again explore pre-existing direct flight routes like Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast once border restrictions eased.

He said with the commencement of Hobart-Canberra flights, the airport would have direct links to every major capital city except Darwin.