Tasmania’s second busiest airport lies around 15 kilometres to the south of Launceston’s city centre within the rural landscapes of Western Junction. Passenger numbers at the Launceston Airport have increased rapidly in the last few years, with more than a million people now passing through its single terminal annually.
A recent redevelopment has significantly improved and expanded the terminal facilities at the Launceston Airport, with new gate lounges constructed, baggage carousels installed and a scattering of cafes and retail outlets added. QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin Australia all operate from the terminal’s check-in area, connecting Launceston with Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The regional operator, Sharp Airlines, also offers flights to Devonport, Flinders Island and Kings Island. A news agency selling travel items and quintessential Tasmanian souvenirs is located in the departures area, while local wine, whisky, cider, beer and Tasmanian produce are showcased at Boag Upper Deck restaurant.
Shuttle buses connect the Launceston Airport with the city centre, as well as to the major northern centres of Devonport, Ulverstone and Burnie. Alternatively, there are taxis available outside the terminal building and rental car companies in the arrivals hall.
The airport first opened as the Western Junction Aerodrome in 1929 with small aircraft connecting the city with Flinders Island to the northeast. During World War II, it was used as a flight training school for the Royal Australian Air Force, before major redevelopments took place in 1962 and it reopened as the Launceston Airport.