Hobart Airport set to return to international statues

Air New Zealand is set to resume its Auckland (AKL/NZAA) - Hobart (HBA/YMHB) service next month, with the date now confirmed. The route was suspended in April this year due to maintenance issues with the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines on Air New Zealand's A320neo and A321neo aircraft. It will recommence on the 27th of October, offering three weekly return flights.

"We will have an additional 24,000 international seats available inbound and outbound over the next five months," stated Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter.

"Approximately 10 percent of passengers flying into Hobart from Auckland during the last peak season were North American visitors, who can travel to Australia while bypassing the long queues at mainland hubs.

The reinstatement of the Hobart to Auckland flights complements the exciting developments at Hobart Airport, including our $130 million runway upgrade, $200 million terminal redevelopment, and over $20 million investment in car parks, forecourt, and road network. These initiatives are part of our strategy to enhance Hobart Airport, providing more space, more options, and more employment opportunities for Tasmanians," Carter added.

Tasmania's Premier and Minister for Tourism, Jeremy Rockliff, celebrated the return of the Auckland-Hobart route as "fantastic news for Tasmania."

"The revival of the Auckland to Hobart service signifies a robust vote of confidence in Tasmania's tourism and hospitality industry," he remarked.

"The direct flights will offer quick and convenient access to Tasmania for a key visitor market that contributed $35 million to our economy in the year ending March 2024," Rockliff concluded.