Overseas flights on radar

CAMERON WHITELEY

CATCHING direct international flights from Hobart to destinations in New Zealand and Asia could be possible as early as next year.

The development is on the agenda of the state and federal governments, with the $1.6 billion Hobart City Deal outlining a bold vision for Hobart Airport to be servicing international destinations by the end of 2020.

Border services, including an Australian Federal Police presence at the airport, are expected to be operational at the site by earlier in the year.

In research commissioned by the Mercury for its Future Tasmania series, demographer Bernard Salt said international capability was important for the state to “assert its sovereignty”.

He said the state needed to connect directly with destinations such as Auckland, Denpasar and Singapore, like other international airports around the country.

“Tasmania needs to leapfrog Melbourne and establish its own connectivity across a broader region of Australia and a broader region of globally,” he said.

“Certainly with the airport upgrade, that should be technically possible and the next step in this sort of globalisation of Tasmania.”

Among those who could benefit from international flights from Hobart are Margate couple Jasmine Knowles and Jeremy Fraser, both 26.

Dr Knowles, a veterinarian with Huon Aquaculture, and Mr Fraser, a powerlifting coach with Catalyst Strength & Physique Coaching, moved to Tasmania from New Zealand in 2016. The couple regularly visit their families and said being able to travel directly across the Tasman would save time and money.

“If we could get on a flight here we could be (in New Zealand) three hours later. The shortest time now is seven hours,’’ Dr Knowles said.

“I think I’d be flying more often, and it might even make a long weekend feasible, whereas now if you spend a whole day travelling, even if you have one day at home, it’s just not worth it.”

A number of upgrades to the airport are under way to build capacity.

In April, Hobart Airport chiefs unveiled a $100 million expansion plan that would double the size of the terminal by the end of next year.

At the time chief executive Sarah Renner said it followed the airport’s busiest year, with 2.6 million passengers passing through.

The first stage of the plan would expand the departure lounges and improve airline lounges and screening.

A mezzanine level to be constructed at the southern end of the terminal would house the lounges and border agency support.

The final two stages of the project were expected to be completed by 2030.