Overview
Launceston Airport is a regional airport located in the heart of Tasmania, Australia. It is the second busiest airport in Tasmania after Hobart International Airport and serves as a major gateway to the state. The airport is situated approximately 15 minutes from Launceston city center and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Opened in 1929, Launceston Airport has since undergone numerous upgrades and expansions to keep up with growing demand. Today, it is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure, including a single runway, passenger terminal, and various amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and retail shops.
The airport serves both domestic and international flights, including regular services to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Additionally, there are seasonal flights to destinations such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Fiji.
In recent years, Launceston Airport has seen significant growth in passenger numbers, particularly from the tourism sector. This has led to further expansion plans, including the construction of a new hotel on the airport grounds, which will provide convenient accommodation for travelers.
Overall, Launceston Airport is a vital transportation hub for Tasmania, connecting the state to the rest of Australia and beyond. With ongoing improvements and developments, it is poised to continue serving the region’s needs well into the future.
Terminals at Launceston Airport
Launceston Airport is a domestic airport in Tasmania. The airport has one terminal building that serves both arrivals and departures.
The terminal is modern and spacious, with plenty of natural light and comfortable seating areas. The airport features a food court and bar, as well as shops where passengers can purchase souvenirs, travel essentials and duty-free goods.
There are also ATMs and currency exchange desks within the terminal building, making it easy for passengers to access cash or change currencies before their flight. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, so passengers can stay connected while they wait for their flight.
The terminal at Launceston Airport is equipped with all necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience. There are multiple airlines operating from the airport, so passengers can connect to various domestic destinations across Australia.
Overall, the terminal at Launceston Airport is well-designed and well-maintained, providing passengers with a pleasant travel experience. Its range of facilities and services cater to the needs of travellers, making it an ideal gateway for exploring Tasmania and other parts of Australia.
Airlines and Destinations
The following airlines operate from Launceston Airport: Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Sharp Airlines.
Qantas has domestic flights to Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, while Virgin Australia flies to Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.
Jetstar also serves Melbourne and Sydney, as well as Adelaide and the Gold Coast. Sharp Airlines provides services to King Island, Flinders Island, and Essendon Airport.
There are currently no international flights departing from Launceston Airport, but plans for trans-Tasman routes are underway.
Seasonal changes may occur with certain routes, particularly during the peak tourism season. It is recommended to check with individual airlines for the most up-to-date information on schedules and destinations.
Transportation Options at Launceston Airport
Launceston Airport is the second busiest airport in Tasmania, and it serves as a gateway to the northern part of the island. Given that it is located around 15 kilometres from the city centre, you need to think of transportation options to get to your destination. Fortunately, there are several options available that cater to different budgets and preferences.
Firstly, if you prefer the convenience and flexibility of having access to your own vehicle, consider renting a car from one of the many rental agencies operating at Launceston Airport. You can make reservations beforehand or book on arrival, and choose from a variety of vehicles ranging from economy to luxury. The companies that operate at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, and Redspot.
If you’re not comfortable driving in a new city or don’t want to rent a car, another option is to take a shuttle bus. Tassielink Transit operates a service that runs between Launceston Airport and the city centre. The shuttle buses run every day of the week, including public holidays, and the journey takes around 20 minutes. You can buy tickets online, at the airport, or directly from the driver.
Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or ride-hailing service like Uber or Ola. The airport has a dedicated taxi rank outside the arrival terminal, and the ride-hail services can pick up and drop off passengers in the designated areas. Be aware that fares may vary depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and demand.
If you’re travelling on a budget or want to experience the scenic countryside, you can take the train. The nearest railway station is located around 15 minutes away from the airport, and you can catch a shuttle bus or taxi to get there. From the station, you can take a train to various destinations across Tasmania, including Hobart, Devonport, and Burnie. Be sure to check the train timetable beforehand, as trains may not operate on certain days or times.
In conclusion, whether you’re a solo traveller or part of a group, there are plenty of transportation options available at Launceston Airport. You can rent a car, take a shuttle bus, hail a taxi or ride-hail service, or catch a train from the nearby station. Consider your budget, destination, and schedule when choosing the best option for your needs.
Parking Options at Launceston Airport
Launceston Airport offers convenient parking options for all travelers. There are three main parking areas: short-term parking, long-term parking, and the express zone. The short-term parking lot is located right outside of the terminal building for easy access. This option is great for those who are dropping off or picking up passengers, as the first 30 minutes are free. After that, rates start at $5 for the first hour and increase with each subsequent hour.
If you’re planning on leaving your car at the airport for an extended period, there is a long-term parking lot available. This lot is located a bit further away from the terminal building but is still easily accessible via a complimentary shuttle service. Rates for this lot start at $26 per day for the first seven days and then decrease to $13 per day after that.
Lastly, if you’re in a hurry and need to park as close to the terminal building as possible, the express zone is the perfect option for you. This lot is located directly in front of the terminal building and is the most convenient option available. However, rates for this lot start at $15 per hour, so it is only recommended for short stays.
Overall, Launceston Airport offers plenty of parking options to fit any traveler’s needs. It’s important to do your research beforehand to ensure you choose the most cost-effective option for your trip.
Check-In Procedures
Launceston Airport offers multiple check-in methods to passengers. Online check-in is available 48 hours before departure and can be done through the airline’s website or mobile app. Passengers can select their seat, print their boarding pass, and even store it on their phone to be scanned at the gate.
Self-service kiosks are also available at the airport for those who prefer a more traditional check-in experience. Passengers can scan their passport or type in their booking reference number to access their flight details and select their seat. The kiosk will then print out their boarding pass, which they can take with them to the bag drop counter.
For those who prefer a more personal touch, Launceston Airport also has counters for traditional check-in. Passengers can approach the counter and provide their passport and booking reference number to the check-in agent. They will then print out their boarding pass and assist with any baggage needs.
Regardless of the check-in method chosen, passengers must make sure they arrive at the airport with enough time to complete the process and proceed through security. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 2 hours prior to domestic flights and 3 hours prior to international flights.
Security Measures at Launceston Airport
Security at Launceston Airport is taken very seriously to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. To maintain this, there are several procedures in place, such as baggage checks, body scanning, and random security checks.
To ensure a smooth security check, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, at least two hours before your flight. Be sure to pack your luggage properly and remove any liquids or gels exceeding 100ml from your carry-on bags.
It’s also important to wear clothing that is easy to remove, such as slip-on shoes and light outerwear, and to avoid wearing any metal accessories that may set off the metal detector. Follow the instructions of the security personnel and be patient during the process to avoid any delays.
Customs and Immigration at Launceston Airport
All international arrivals must go through customs and immigration upon disembarking from the aircraft. Passengers will be required to present their passports, visas (if applicable), and completed arrival cards to the immigration officers.
After immigration, passengers proceed to baggage claim, where they can collect their luggage. Depending on what they are carrying, travelers may have to declare their goods to Australian Border Force officials.
For departing passengers, the customs and immigration process involves checking in for their flight and passing through security screening. At this point, any items prohibited by Australia’s customs regulations will be confiscated.
Once past security, passengers can relax in the airport’s departure lounge or take advantage of its retail and dining facilities before boarding their flights.
Amenities:
- Restaurants and cafes offering a variety of food and beverages
- Duty-free shops selling liquor, perfume, cosmetics, and electronics
- Retail stores selling souvenirs, magazines, newspapers, and snacks
- ATMs and currency exchange services available for convenience
- Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the airport
- Baby change rooms and children’s play areas for families traveling with young children
- Disabled facilities including wheelchair ramps, accessible toilets, and lifts
- Meeting rooms and business lounges for corporate travelers
Accessibility Services
Launceston Airport provides facilities and services to ensure that passengers with disabilities or mobility issues have a comfortable and safe journey.
There are disabled parking spaces available close to the terminal building and wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout the airport.
Inside the terminal, there are specially designed restrooms and elevators that are accessible for wheelchairs.
Passengers requiring mobility assistance can request wheelchair assistance from the airline before their flight.
In addition, Launceston Airport also offers a range of accessibility services and equipment such as hearing loops, magnifying glasses, and visual paging.
Connecting Flights at Launceston Airport
When catching a connecting flight at Launceston Airport, it’s important to make sure you have enough time between flights.
Allowing at least 1-2 hours between flights is recommended to ensure you have enough time to collect your luggage (if applicable), go through security and find your gate for your next flight.
Make sure to keep an eye on the departure boards and listen out for announcements, as gates and flights can change at short notice.
If you do happen to miss your connecting flight, speak to airport staff who will be able to assist you with rebooking or redirecting you to your destination.
Also, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from airport staff or airline representatives. They are there to help and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Upon arrival at Launceston Airport, passengers should proceed to the baggage claim area located near the arrivals hall. Baggage carousels are clearly marked with the flight number and arrival time of each flight.
Passengers should look for their flight number on the electronic displays above the baggage carousels to determine which carousel their luggage will be delivered to. Once luggage has been collected, passengers can proceed through customs and exit the airport.
In the event that a passenger’s luggage is lost or damaged during the flight, they should report it immediately to the airline’s baggage service desk located in the baggage claim area. The airline will then file a report and provide instructions on how to follow up with the claim.
If a passenger accidentally leaves an item behind in the airport, they should contact the airport’s lost property office located in the arrivals hall. The staff will assist in locating the lost item and returning it to its owner.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
In case of an emergency, Launceston Airport has a dedicated emergency team that is available 24/7. They are trained to handle any emergency situation that may arise.
There are medical facilities located inside the airport terminal as well. These facilities include first aid services, emergency medical treatment, and ambulance services.
The airport also has a defibrillator available for use in case of cardiac emergencies. Passengers can access these facilities by contacting the airport staff or security personnel.
Overall, Launceston Airport is well-equipped to handle any emergency or medical situation that passengers may encounter during their travels.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotel accommodations available within or near Launceston Airport.
Some of the popular options include Quality Hotel Gateway, Best Western Plus Launceston, Comfort Inn Coach House, Launceston Airport Motel, and Village Family Motor Inn.
All of these hotels are located within a 10-minute drive from the airport and offer shuttle services to and from the airport.
The rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers.
Guests can also enjoy on-site facilities such as restaurants, fitness centers, and swimming pools.
Useful Tips:
Here are some insider tips for navigating and enjoying Launceston Airport –
1. Arrive early: It’s always better to be early than late when it comes to catching a flight.
2. Pre-book parking: Book your parking ahead of time and save some money.
3. Security procedures: Make sure you know the security procedures and what items are allowed on board.
4. Food and beverage options: Check out the food and beverage options before your flight, so you know where to eat.
5. Explore the airport: Take some time to explore the airport, there are some great shops and amenities.
Contact Information
– Airport Information Desk: +61 3 6391 6228
– Lost Property: +61 3 6391 6228
– Baggage Services: +61 3 6391 6228
– Car Rental Companies:
– Avis: +61 3 6337 7388
– Budget: +61 3 6391 7166
– Europcar: +61 3 6391 8210
– Hertz: +61 3 6391 8120
– Taxi Services:
– Launceston Taxi Combined: +61 3 6331 0000
– Silver Service Taxis: +61 3 6344 3311
– Yellow Cabs: +61 13 19 24
Airports near Launceston Airport
Aside from Launceston Airport, there are two other airports in the vicinity: Devonport Airport and Hobart Airport.
- Devonport Airport is approximately 102 kilometers away from Launceston Airport. Travelers can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach this airport.
- Hobart Airport is about 200 kilometers away from Launceston Airport. Transportation options to this airport include renting a car, taking a taxi, or using the Redline Coach Service.
Travelers considering alternative flight options or those with layovers or connecting flights may find this information helpful in planning their travel arrangements.