Hobart Airport Opens $200 Million Upgrade With Doubled Terminal and New Security Scanners

Hobart Airport has completed a $200 million upgrade that doubles the size of its terminal, adds an extra baggage reclaim belt and installs security scanners that let passengers leave everything in their bags.

Hobart Airport has completed a $200 million upgrade that has doubled the size of its terminal and given the existing space a more high-end feel.

The project, which covers the whole terminal transformation, is now largely open to travellers, although some construction hoarding remains as work continues around the gate areas. For travellers dropping off hire cars, all signage is clear and the car rental offices are modern and easy to find at night. These improved experiences are part of the same $200 million upgrade project.

Terminal Upgrade Brings Modern Aesthetics

The terminal now feels like a gateway to a major international destination rather than a quick hop across Bass Strait. The look of the building has changed noticeably. Blacks, dark browns, creams and whites keep the palette neutral with a premium tilt, and even the bathrooms have been refreshed. Arriving passengers benefit from an extra baggage reclaim belt, which the renovation provides for a speedier getaway.

Security has also been upgraded. The airport now has scanners that allow passengers to leave everything in their bags. That means no removing bits and pieces for separate screening, which lets travellers sail through. One reviewer said they cannot overemphasise how much they love the new scanners, especially when a whole long weekend has been squished into a tight cabin allowance.

For check-in, bringing cabin baggage only keeps fares down, allows online check-in and avoids the bag-drop queue. An Economy X seat in the exit row gives access to the priority boarding queue, a fast-track perk of Velocity gold and platinum status. On the food side, Cafe Marketplace is the airport's newest venue, opened in August 2026 on the arrivals side. It serves barista-made brews and meals after travellers touch down.

Dining And Shopping Options Await

York Street Bar is where a chicken parmigiana can be devoured before a flight. Coal River Farm Cafe and Bar is next door and offers a relatively similar menu, while Cafe Outbound serves lighter bites. For retail, Purely Tasmania sells locally made wines and spirits along with skincare and locally produced goods that make great gifts. The same Tasmanian chocolate-coated macadamias bought for $12 outside the airport cost $20.99 at the store.

A Relay store covers the usual convergence of pharmacy and convenience goods. Even with the refurbishment, there is not a lot to do before boarding, so the money has clearly gone into aesthetics, flight capacity and building the shops and restaurants. This makes the terminal more about spending money than spending time. Eligible travellers have access to a temporary grab-and-go Qantas Club nook for quick takeaway bites and fee-free coffees.

Lounges And Wi-Fi Connectivity Details

A new Qantas lounge is set to open in early 2027. There is also an exclusive Saffire Lounge operated by the Tasmanian luxury lodge Saffire Freycinet. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal's public areas, but speeds are mediocre, with downloads just shy of 12Mbps and uploads similar at 13Mbps. The connection works, but travellers will be waiting a while to load up on entertainment for the flight ahead.

The airport's new design is very nice, and the upgrades to security are noticeable and appreciated. Unless travellers plan to dine or visit the Qantas lounge once it opens, there is really no need to arrive early. They will just sit around killing time.

Compiled from 3 sourcesCompiled by HeadTopics editors by cross-checking the verified news reports listed here.

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$200 Million Upgrade Terminal Expansion Cafe Marketplace Qantas Lounge Terminal Upgrade Airport Security Scanners

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