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Launceston Airport (IATA: LST, ICAO: YMLT) is a regional airport located 15km from the town of Launceston, Tasmania. The airport was first opened in 1929 as Western Junction Aerodrome, following the formation of the Tasmanian Aero Club in 1927. The airport has undergone several upgrades and redevelopments since its opening, including a major redevelopment in 1962, which included a new terminal building, and a A$20 million expansion project in 2009. Today, Launceston Airport is Tasmania's second busiest airport and Australia's 13th busiest, handling over 1 million passengers annually.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of construction | 1929 |
| Year opened for use | 1930 |
| Year of privatisation | 1998 |
| Year of major redevelopment | 1962 |
| Year of terminal expansion | 2009 |
| Year of terminal expansion completion | 2010 |
What You'll Learn
The Western Junction Aerodrome was opened in 1929
The Western Junction Aerodrome, now known as Launceston Airport, was officially opened in 1929. It was Tasmania's first air travel facility, built two years after the formation of the Tasmanian Aero Club in 1927.
In July 1929, the Home Territories Department acquired land at the Western Junction, then called Valley of Springs, for a £20,400 ($41,000) aerodrome. The Western Junction Aerodrome was opened soon after in 1929 and opened for use in 1930.
In February 1931, Colonel Brinsmead, Controller of Civil Aviation, officially opened Western Junction as a government aerodrome. Around 20,000 people gathered on Evandale Road to watch the event. During 1932, small aircraft flew from Launceston to Flinders Island.
The airport was used by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) from August 1940 until late 1944 as a base for No. 7 Elementary Flying Training School. It was Tasmania's only RAAF base, and two of the Bellman hangars from this period remain at the airport today.
In 1962, a major redevelopment plan was approved under the leadership of Tony John. This included strengthening pavements, extending the runway, and constructing a new terminal building. The airport was officially reopened that same year as Launceston Airport.
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The airport was redeveloped in 1962
The 1962 redevelopment plan was a significant upgrade for the airport, which first opened in 1930. The Western Junction Aerodrome, as it was initially called, was used by the Royal Australian Air Force as a training base during World War II. After the war, the airport continued to serve civil aviation, and by the 1960s, it was in need of modernisation to accommodate growing air travel demands.
The redevelopment in 1962 laid the foundation for the airport's future growth and transformation into a regional aviation hub. The strengthened pavements and extended runway enhanced the airport's capacity to handle larger aircraft and increased traffic. The new terminal building, designed to replace the original structure, offered improved facilities and a more comfortable experience for travellers.
This redevelopment project played a pivotal role in the airport's history, paving the way for future expansions and upgrades. The airport has continued to evolve, with subsequent renovations and improvements made over the years to meet the evolving needs of passengers and airlines. The airport's ongoing development reflects its importance as a gateway to Launceston and the surrounding region.
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It was privatised in 1998
The current Launceston Airport, located in Tasmania, Australia, has a long history that dates back to the early days of aviation in the region. The airport's journey began in 1927 with the formation of the Tasmanian Aero Club, which led to the construction of the first air travel facility in Tasmania on the site. However, it was in 1998 that the airport underwent a significant transformation – it was privatised.
The privatisation of Launceston Airport marked a pivotal moment in its evolution, ushering in a new era of ownership and management. The airport, which is situated 15 kilometres from the town of Launceston, became jointly owned by the Launceston City Council and the Australia Pacific Airports Corporation following its privatisation. This change in ownership brought about a notable shift in the airport's operations and facilitated its growth and development.
The privatisation came at a time when the Australian aviation industry was experiencing significant changes. The introduction of low-cost carriers and the creation of a competitive airline market in Australia contributed to a substantial increase in aircraft movements at Launceston Airport. The airport's privatisation, combined with these industry developments, set the stage for its expansion and transformation into a bustling aviation hub.
The impact of privatisation was evident in the years that followed. In the 2007/2008 financial year, Launceston Airport recorded a notable milestone, surpassing one million passengers for the first time. This achievement highlighted the airport's growing importance and the success of its privatisation. The airport's passenger numbers have continued to increase, consistently exceeding the forecasts outlined in the Airport Master Plan 2005.
The privatisation of Launceston Airport in 1998 was a pivotal moment that shaped the airport's future. It brought about changes in ownership, management, and operations, setting the airport on a path of growth and development. The subsequent expansion projects, infrastructure upgrades, and increasing passenger numbers are a testament to the positive impact of privatisation on this regional airport in Tasmania, Australia.
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Launceston Airport is Tasmania's second busiest airport
The airport's history dates back to 1927 with the formation of the Tasmanian Aero Club, and the subsequent construction of the first air travel facility in Tasmania on the site. In 1929, the Western Junction Aerodrome was officially opened, becoming a government aerodrome in 1931. During World War II, the airport was used by the Royal Australian Air Force as their only base in Tasmania.
Launceston Airport has undergone significant development over the years. In 1962, a major redevelopment plan was approved, which included strengthening pavements, extending the runway, and constructing a new terminal building. The airport was officially reopened in 1962, and the runway was further upgraded in 1982 to accommodate larger aircraft.
In 1998, the airport was privatised, leading to a dramatic increase in aircraft movements with the introduction of new airlines and the creation of the Australian low-cost airline market. Launceston Airport has experienced a rapid growth in passenger numbers, exceeding forecasts and becoming Tasmania's fastest-growing airport. To accommodate this growth, the airport underwent a A$20 million expansion in 2009, doubling the terminal size and enhancing its facilities.
The airport is well-connected, offering flights to various Australian cities. The Qantas Group is the dominant operator, with Jetstar, QantasLink, and Virgin Australia providing frequent flights to Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The airport also serves as a gateway to Tasmania's remarkable destinations and experiences, including its renowned gourmet food and Northern Tasmania's mountain biking trails.
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It is Australia's 13th busiest airport
Launceston Airport is a regional airport on the outskirts of Launceston, Tasmania. It is located in the industrial area of Western Junction, 15 kilometres from Launceston city centre.
Launceston Airport is Tasmania's second busiest airport, after Hobart. In the 2023/24 financial year, the airport recorded 1.4 million passenger movements. It is currently Australia's 13th busiest airport.
The airport has seen dramatic increases in passenger numbers in recent years, exceeding forecasts in the Airport Master Plan 2005. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the collapse of Ansett Australia in 2001, the introduction of low-cost carriers such as Virgin Blue and Jetstar, and the creation of the Australian low-cost airline market. The airport's privatisation in 1998 also contributed to this growth.
Launceston Airport's busy status has led to several expansion and upgrade projects over the years. In 2022, the airport commenced a A$100 million redevelopment, the largest in its history. This project includes expanding the Check-in Hall, security area, food and beverage outlets, and the Launceston Store, with a larger Arrivals Hall planned for completion within five years.
The airport currently offers various services and facilities to cater to its high volume of passengers. These include a bar, two cafés, a temporary café in Arrivals, and a store selling convenience items, Tasmanian artisan produce, and gifts. Additionally, the airport provides both short and long-term car parking options and access to taxi and ride-sharing services.
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Frequently asked questions
The first air travel facility in Tasmania was built on the site of Launceston Airport in 1929 and opened for use in 1930.
Yes, the airport has been at the same location since 1929, but it was known as the Western Junction Aerodrome until 1962.
In 1962, a major redevelopment plan was approved, which included the strengthening of pavements, a runway extension, and a new terminal building. The airport was officially reopened as Launceston Airport that same year.
Launceston Airport is Tasmania's second busiest airport and Australia's 13th busiest airport. It is undergoing a A$100m redevelopment, the largest in its history, to accommodate the dramatic increase in passenger numbers in recent years.
