Australia’s largest private building firm, Hutchison Builders, has been awarded the contract for the three-year project that will include two new departure gates, extra security screening lanes and baggage carousels, and additional food outlets and retail stores.

Hobart Airport is the ninth busiest airport in Australia, and its redevelopment will increase its size from 12,000 square metres to 23,000 square metres.

Currently, the Tasmanian airport’s capacity is 1.5 million passengers per year, however it exceeds this by 1.1 million passengers annually, with 2.6 million people passing through.

By 2030, 3.5 million passengers are expected to visit the airport each year, with 5.5 million projected by 2042.

The Federal Government has also pledged $60 million to a runway upgrade at Hobart Airport, meaning it will have the capacity to process wide-body, long-haul aircraft, thus increasing the city’s appeal as a global destination.